Previews of this weekend's National Hurling League encounters.

SATURDAY

DIVISION ONE B

Cork v Wexford, Páirc Uí Rinn, 7.30 

There will be great interest in how this works out from a technical point of view. The Cork county board installed floodlights with a high illumination specification in order to facilitate hurling matches. Given that the sliotar is white and that it can reach considerable heights, hurling under lights sets different challenges to football.

But experience to date including a recent UCC-Cork practice match indicates that the stage is set for a new chapter in the game's history. Tonight's first competitive floodlit hurling match coincidentally revisits the highlight of last summer's championship, the drawn All-Ireland semi-final between the counties. There are a number of changes since that glorious afternoon with retirement and emigration respectively removing two of the principal contributors, Liam Dunne and Setanta Ó hAilpín.

Cork's is the more experimental line-up, persevering with the host of new faces introduced for the win over Limerick. Two thirds of the Wexford team started last August and they had a comfortable win over a weakened Antrim last week.

What role the weather will play this evening is anyone's guess but if the wind keeps down, it should be an entertaining match with maybe Wexford gaining a small share of revenge for last year.

SUNDAY

(All matches at 2.30 unless stated)

DIVISION ONE A

Waterford v Laois, Walsh Park

A great start to the campaign for Waterford showcased good forward performances by John Mullane and Paul Flynn but also some wasted goal opportunities. None the less their attacking movement was good and point-taking impressive. Laois struggled against Anthony Daly's Clare and look like they will struggle in general. But they struck form in this fixture last season and troubled Waterford considerably before going down narrowly. This year, however, Waterford look in better fettle whereas Laois are understrength. The score line will reflect as much.

Clare v Dublin, Cusack Park 

After an easy win over Laois, Clare will hardly have it much tougher tomorrow. With their serious fixtures back loaded, it will be a while longer before they can get to test departures like Frank Lohan's (so far prolific) switch to full forward. Dublin's self-confidence is low at the moment and as dependant as ever on Conal Keaney (who had a hat-trick of goals from frees in this fixture last year). A good performance would probably do Humphrey Kelleher but a result looks beyond them.

Galway v Kilkenny, Pearse Stadium 

By Brian Cody's own admission, Kilkenny are a bit off the pace at the start of the League compared to other years. Against Dublin Galway weren't exactly straining at the leash either. Still the champions have strengthened their line-up and with last week under their belts will expect to improve. James Ryall, one of last year's first teamers believed to be under pressure, comes back into the team as do other All-Ireland winners DJ Carey, Martin Comerford and Seán Dowling. As against that Galway will be missing Kevin Broderick. On the face of it that's quite a turnaround in playing strengths and maybe sufficient to swing the verdict Kilkenny's way.

DIVISION ONE B

Antrim v Offaly, Casement Park

This will surely have been targeted as one of the home side's more likely win prospects and it is their ill fortune to have to play it considerably below strength while Dunloy prepare for the club final. Even Dinny Cahill's comments in the wake of the defeat by Wexford indicated that he's targeting the post-Patrick's Day rounds. Offaly's heartening win over Tipp has set them up for a good crack at reaching the second phase. Given Antrim's depleted state that ambition should remain on track.

Limerick v Tipperary, Gaelic Grounds (Live TG4) 

Disappointment for both of these sides last week with late surges from their opponents touching them off at the whistle. Limerick had successfully launched a comeback against Cork but fell away when level; Tipp let Offaly past them despite having the advantage of the wind. Neither team are at full strength and continue to give opportunities to fringe players. Tipperary are hoping that John Carroll and the recovering Philip Maher can backbone the defence and need to find attacking support for Eoin Kelly. Shane Maher had a promising outing against Offaly with three points but what more can be learned about Redser O'Grady before the championship - for which he was dropped last year? Limerick have a lot more sifting to do before Pad Joe Whelahan finalises his team. He shuffles the deck for this but Tipp look more solid.

DIVISION TWO A

Roscommon v Derry, Athleague

Derry should get their campaign off the mark after a disappointing start against Down.