Seán Moran previews all this weekend's National Hurling League action.
(Matches at 2.30 unless stated)
Saturday
Division One A
Offaly v Wexford, Birr - Wexford have had the upper hand in this fixture of late, championship included, but Offaly have a buoyancy about them since their return to Division One. The experiment of Rory Hannify in the backs is continued whereas the visitors bring in Des Mythen to start after his reappearance, having recovered from a broken finger, in the win over Clare. Offaly found the going tough in Ballycran and it took a big haul from Brian Carroll to secure victory. Recent results suggest Wexford but Offaly are poor when travelling north and have home advantage today, which they can make count.
Division One B
Galway v Laois, Pearse Stadium - Whereas the league has frequently betrayed Galway, Conor Hayes is hardly happy with the opening sequence of two defeats, to Antrim and Limerick. Further woe arrived in the form of Kevin Broderick's broken thumb but, on the less pessimistic side, Laois have made a horror start of their own. Galway's engine is going to kick into life anytime soon, making it bad news for the visitors.
Division Two A
Derry v Meath, Banagher - Derry's chance to get back into promotion contention but Meath are better fancied to copper fasten their own claims.
Wicklow v Carlow, Arklow, 3.30 - Defeat by Meath a fortnight ago was bad news for Carlow but they can get back on the road this afternoon.
Division Two B
London v Mayo, Ruislip, 1.30 - London should get off the mark here against Mayo.
Westmeath v Kerry, Cusack Park, 3.0 - Top-of-the-table match in realistic terms if not by strict current placings. Should be a home win for the Ring Cup holders.
Kildare - bye.
Division Three A: Sligo v Leitrim, Kent Park.
Sunday
Division One A
Cork v Down, Páirc Uí Rinn, 1.30 - John Allen can be thankful that his current plague of injuries has befallen the All-Ireland champions before their easiest fixture - although Newtownshandrum's experience would recommend that it not be taken for granted.
Waterford v Clare, Walsh Park, live on TG4 - Teams with contrasting experiences last time out. Waterford were in super form in Cork, scoring well and digging in ferociously when reduced to 14 men at an early stage.
Clare were sluggish and injury affected in the hammering by Wexford but will be more razzed up for this.
Waterford bring in Dan Shanahan for his first start of the year after a significant intervention from the bench in Cork where their centrefield of Eoin Kelly and Michael Walsh was particularly eye catching.
This should be a home win.
Division One B
Antrim v Tipperary, Cushendall, 2.00 - Given Antrim's form this season the long journey north looks more perilous than usual for Tipperary. Still Tipp look more solid for this with the return of Micheál Webster and Diarmaid Fitzgerald. Declan Fanning is moved from defence and tried at his club position of centre forward. Overall it should be enough to halt Antrim's 100-per-cent start.
Limerick v Kilkenny, Gaelic Grounds, 2.0 - Kilkenny have been reproducing the approach of four years ago when a young, reinvigorated team won the league and championship. The good start to the league was continued in a challenge in Cork last week, which featured the return of Martin Comerford. Brian Hogan played centre back and the repositioning of JJ Delaney at full back continued successfully.
Limerick have also begun well and there is more optimism in the county than at any stage in the past five years. Stephen Lucey is named at centre forward with TJ Ryan staying at full back. This might be too much of a test for the home side but a competitive display will keep spirits high.
Division Two A
Dublin v Roscommon, Parnell Park - Dublin's promotion campaign to continue.
Division Three A: Donegal v Monaghan, Letterkenny - Louth, bye. Division Three B: Fermanagh v Cavan, Enniskillen - Armagh v Tyrone, Ballymacnab - Longford, bye.
