The weekend matches previewed

TODAY

Allianz Hurling League,

Division Two

Clare v Kerry, Cusack Park, 2.30 – Clare haven’t been firing on all cylinders and with the crucial Laois fixture next weekend, can’t afford to drop points here. With the top three finishing out their campaign, Kerry will find points hard to come by.

Allianz Football League, Division Four

Kilkenny v Fermanagh, Jenkinstown, 5pm – With the focus in Fermanagh shifting to bi-laterals and side-talks, this would be a hot iron for most sides to strike but the turmoil will hardly be sufficient to get Kilkenny off the mark.

TOMORROW

(Matches at 2.30 unless stated) Allianz Hurling League,

Division One

Kilkenny v Waterford, Nowlan Park – If it were Kilkenny’s intention to sweep through the league like an avenging angel, the defeat in Galway was disappointing but with the need to trial players more obvious than in previous seasons, the setback wasn’t too surprising, with an inexperienced full-back line getting taken for 3-4 from play.

Waterford have been proceeding reasonably well while missing a good few (now returning) first teamers but disciplinary problems (only Offaly have picked up more cards in the division) have been a sideshow in recent weeks and the retirement elegies for Ken McGrath have added to the air of transition around the county. The defeat of Cork was a good result achieved in difficult circumstances but Kilkenny will cut down on the mistakes this week and maintain the pressure on a top two finish.

Dublin v Galway, Parnell Park – When the sides conjured up a rather abrasive Walsh Cup semi-final, won by Dublin, it could be attributed to the twilight zone of pre-season competition but Galway’s record in Parnell Park isn’t great and they haven’t won in the league here for seven years. Galway’s resilience in overcoming a big early deficit against Kilkenny was satisfying for manager John McIntyre. Iarla Tannian was the lightning conductor and he isn’t available tomorrow, meaning Galway have to do without their two best forwards in the longer-term absence of Joe Canning.

Dublin suffered their own reversal when captain Stephen Hiney ruptured his cruciate in a season-ending accident. On the brighter side, Conal Keaney is back after missing the last match with flu and Peter Kelly beat the rap at the CHC and is available to line out at corner back.

Dublin’s run-in is demanding, starting this weekend and with Kilkenny and Cork to come, but they may just have enough confidence having come through the season to date unbeaten and sufficient physical assurance in what could be a tetchy affair to continue to set the pace.

Cork v Tipperary, Páirc Uí Chaoimh – Even with Cork off Broadway in recent years this fixture retains its fascination. In last season’s fixture, also in Cork, Denis Walsh was credited with a bit of a stunt by disabling Aisake Ó hAilpín after a good start and keeping the weapon reasonably under wraps until the championship. The panel is now an Ó hAilpín-free zone and Michael Cussen gets a gallop in his most likely position on the edge of the square.

Pa Horgan’s trial at centrefield continues, as does the so far less happy experiment of Tom Kenny at wing forward. In defence, Eoin Cadogan returns to pose his own brand of questions for Pa Bourke’s promising campaign and the All-Ireland champions have to plan without Brendan Maher for a few months after his bizarre garden accident while pucking around, but it enables Gearóid Ryan to extend his run of games in arguably his best position of midfield.

For whatever reason Tipp have struggled to locate their A game against Cork recently but they can reverse the losses tomorrow.

Offaly v Wexford, O’Connor Park – Arguably the most important fixture of the day, as the losers are almost certainly in the limbo of Division Two next season with all the attendant loss of face – and more importantly, touch.

There is the emerging appearance of a carousel about the promotion-relegation issues involved, as these counties contested the Division Two final just two years ago. Offaly have been unlucky with injuries this campaign, although Shane Dooley is again available after the nasty injury sustained against Dublin.

Wexford welcome back Keith Rossiter and have been marginally more competitive to date. This will be a close call but the visitors can make it a successful raid on what is the biggest prize on offer this weekend.

Division Two

Down v Laois, Ballycran, 1.30 – For a side just off the bottom Down have been competitive at home but Laois are fancied to keep up the pressure at the other end of the table.

Westmeath v Antrim, Cusack Park – Drastic campaign so far for Westmeath and they don’t look likely to alter that trend.

Carlow v Limerick, Dr Cullen Park – Carlow put up another spirited show in Belfast two weeks ago but Limerick are in recovery and will probably be checking out of here before long.

Division Three A

Armagh v Wicklow, Athletic Grounds; Kildare v Meath, Newbridge; Derry v London, Swatragh.

Division Three B

Fingal v Sligo, Swords; Monaghan v Roscommon, Clones; Mayo v Donegal, MacHale Park.

Division Four

Cavan v South Down, Ballyconnell; Leitrim v Fermanagh, Ballinamore; Tyrone v Longford, Omagh.

Allianz Football League, Division Four

Leitrim v Carlow, Carrick-on-Shannon – After their notable comeback last week Leitrim will fancy themselves here.

Clare v Longford, Cusack Park – Another one-score defeat for Clare last week and their luck might change tomorrow against promotion contenders Longford.

Wicklow v Roscommon, Aughrim – Important contest between first and second which Wicklow need to win. And can.