Mystic Mullane's gone two for two, so we rang him up again to find out who he's backing in a crucial week for the Allianz NHL.
It’s so hard to judge teams from their league form, because we’re never sure if the 15 players we see will be the 15 that start in July. Kilkenny always have a question over them, Tipperary are looking strong and Cork are under pressure. That’s my treble for this weekend’s action.
Division 1A
Dublin vs Cork – 5pm Saturday – Live on Setanta Sports
If this game was in Parnell Park, I’d be all over Dublin in such a small ground. Cork need to pick up the two points. They’ve gone for their strongest possible side in order to get them. This fixture last year was over at half time in the same venue, but I think Cork will just about shade this game. The odds of of 10/11 is too tempting.
Kilkenny vs Galway – 2pm Sunday
We saw the last day that you can’t write Kilkenny over. Ever. They’re such force in Nowlan Park. We’ve also seen what Galway are all about. A great win over Cork on the opening day and then a huge disappointment against Dublin. It always happens to them. They’re far too inconsistent. If the Cats get the lead, they won’t give in. Kilkenny HT/Kilkenny FT at 6/5.
Tipperary vs Waterford – 2:30pm Sunday
Every hurler in the country fears going to Thurles to play the Premier. But Waterford have been the most talked about team within the league. 10 games unbeaten in league fixtures, but they’re missing Maurice Shanahan and he’s a big loss. There’s more at stake for Tipp and I think this will be a lesson for the Deise about what it takes to win a trophy. They don’t concede many goals, but I’m tipping Tipp at odds of 4/7.
Division 1B
Kerry vs Wexford – Sunday 12:35 – Live on TG4
I did commentary for the Wexford and Clare game in Wexford Park last week, but this is a very dangerous game for them. Kerry have had a brilliant start in the big leagues. They were 12 points down at half time last week to Limerick and only lost by four, so Liam Dunne needs to be careful. I wouldn’t be going near them. What I’m looking at instead is Kerry +6 at evens.
Laois vs Clare – Saturday 7pm
Clare -8 at 5/6 is the bet here. The dream team of Donal and Davy have brought a bit more urgency to the Banner, while Laois haven’t recovered from losing to Kerry yet in my view. There’s too much quality in that Clare side.
Offaly vs Limerick – Sunday 2pm
Offaly got a first win under their belts last time round against Laois, but there’s still a huge gap between the two hurling provinces. Munster tend to dominate, and I’m thinking that the handicap on Limerick at 4/5 will see them dominate again.