Resilient Waterford set to prevail

GAELIC GAMES:DIVISION TWO winners don't have a great record in championship since the restructuring of two years ago. Neither Offaly nor Wexford won their first championship outing and so Limerick's prospects have to be placed in that context.

That’s not, however, the full story, as the runners-up have done better. Wexford overturned the league outcome in 2009 and last year, more relevantly Clare gave Waterford a very awkward afternoon before going down by four.

Has much changed in the space of 12 months? For one, Limerick aren’t a typical Division Two outfit. They got relegated because of the dispute that saw them fielding a shadow team last season and having brought in a proven coach, with experience of this type of rebuilding project.

Waterford have had a comfortable season in the top flight, blooding some new players and easily staying afloat. Their big problem is the lack of proven firepower.

The young players coming in are promising but depending on debutants Paudie O’Mahony and Brian O’Sullivan and the similarly youthful Maurice Shanahan to provide half of the attack is a big punt, particularly with as established a defensive spine as Séamus Hickey and Brian Geary, veterans of an All-Ireland final, in opposition.

Limerick demonstrated a taste for goals in the league final that, if assisted by goalkeeping error, showed a capability for directness and will have a largely rookie full-back line to work on tomorrow.

It’s not likely Waterford will have it all their own way in terms of work rate and well-drilled systems but the fact remains that their team has been tested at a higher level of intensity this year and that will stand to them.

In the last episode:Just two years ago the most recent example of Waterford's difficulty with tomorrow's opponents was evident when Limerick took their opponents to a replay, although Waterford eventually prevailed.

You bet:Waterford are twice as hotly favoured as they were two years ago, available at 2 to 5. Limerick are 11 to 4 and the draw is 10 to 1.

On your marks: Heavy rain in 2009 produced an undistinguished match. The weather forecast is poor for tomorrow, which won't do much for the younger forwards on show.

Gaining ground:This is the eighth time the counties have met in 10 years and Thurles has been the venue for all but two – the All-Ireland semi-final of 2007 in Croke Park and the 2001 Munster semi-final in Cork. Coincidentally or not Limerick have won the two not played here and whereas they have drawn two of the other five, they haven't won any.

Just the ticket:Covered stand €30, uncovered €25 and terrace (Town End only) €15. Family tickets available with accompanied children €5. Students and OAPs pay full admission and get €10 rebate with relevant ID.

Crystal gazing:There may be an element of surprise about Limerick after a low-key promotion campaign in Division Two but Waterford have shown enough grit over the past two years in the matter of digging out results that they have to be favoured.

WATERFORD: C Hennessy; D Fives, W Hutchinson, N Connors; T Browne, M Walsh, K Moran; S O’Sullivan, R Foley; M Shanahan, S Molumphy, P Mahony; J Mullane, S Walsh, B O’Sullivan.

LIMERICK: N Quaid; D Reale, S Hickey, T Condon; W McNamara, B Geary, G O’Mahoney; D O’Grady, P Browne; J Ryan, R McCarthy, N Moran; S Tobin, K Downes, G Mulcahy.

Referee: B Kelly (Westmeath).