Wexford v Galway
All-Ireland Champions Galway ambled through the league winning the first four rounds in less than impressive fashion, as many of their stars delayed their comeback to first-team duty and it’s clear they are easing their way in 2018. Joe Canning returned mid-way through the second-half in their loss to Limerick and will Michael Donoghue’s men a welcome boost travelling to Wexford Park on Saturday.
Wexford have been solid throughout the league, winning three from five, and Davy Fitzgerald’s men will have learned plenty from their 2017 exploits, including a Leinster Final loss to Galway. Galway are deserved favorites, but it might be worth taking a chance on a Wexford team in-form and raring to go in front of a strong home support.
Bet: Wexford +1
Dublin v Tipperary
Pat Gilroy’s Dublin side have struggled massively in Division 1B this year, with wins over Antrim and Laois, and things aren’t getting any easier as they welcome Tipperary to Croke Park. Tipperary recovered from an opening round loss to Clare with three wins from their remaining four outings and Jason Forde has been the man in form for Michael Ryan’s charges. Forde returned from college duty to hit 12 points in their final round win over Cork, and has been the star for both college and county in 2018, winning the Fitzgibbon Cup with UL.
Tipperary’s scoring record in the league has been very strong, averaging 26.75 points in their last four outings. This despite hitting twenty wides in their win over Cork two weeks ago. Tipperary were disappointing by their standards in 2017, but seem to have left this form behind them, and can pass this Dublin test with ease, in the opening space of Croke Park. Expect them to be much more clinical in-front of goal this time, and score over 29.5 points
Bet: Tipperary Over 29.5 Points
Donegal v Mayo
Survival is at stake in this Ballybofey battle as the winner will maintain their position in Division 1 and the losers will drop to Division 2. Mayo were wide-margin winners over Kildare in round five but they were a shambles against Tyrone last weekend, whereas Donegal will be kicking themselves that they were unable to edge out Ulster rivals Monaghan. Confidence is low in both camps and with so much at stake this could be a cagey affair. Mayo conceded 2-14 to Tyrone and Donegal coughed up 1-16 at the hands of Monaghan so do not expect this showdown to be so open. The 31.5 total points spread looks high given what’s at stake so the advice is to go under.
Bet: Total points under 31.5 points
Treble pays 6/1
*All prices correct at time of posting