Saturday, Clare v Kerry: Kerry (-13) – 10/11
There were 22 points between Kerry and Clare when the two sides met in last year’s Munster semi-final and the Kingdom can cover the 13-point handicap at the same stage in 2019.
The Kingdom had a very productive spring and topped Division 1 on the way to losing to Mayo in the top-flight decider, but there were certainly more positives than negatives to be dissected from the campaign. Paul Geaney is back firing on all cylinders, Stephen O’Brien seems to be playing the best football of his career and Sean O’Shea and David Clifford are probably the two most exciting prospects in the whole country.
Clare were terrible against Waterford and poor during the National League too, so expect Kerry to cash in on that lack of confidence.
Sunday, Waterford v Limerick: Waterford – 23/10
The air of invincibility that surrounding Limerick following their All-Ireland and League victories was wiped away in 70 minutes a fortnight ago as Cork outclassed them. Now their season is on the line and the unthinkable is looking possible – Limerick might not even get out of Munster in 2019.
Waterford will definitely make an early exit if they lose following defeats to Clare and Tipperary, but there is surely a kick in the Déise. Waterford won both their League games at Walsh Park, beating Galway by two and Clare by 14 and despite playing poorly, they only lost out by a point to The Banner in their only outing on home soil in this year’s Munster championship.
Rumours are rife that Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh will start, his presence and strength will be a big asset in a tight pitch like Walsh Park. The home crowd will play a big part here and they might be able to get Waterford over the line. They certainly look value at 23/10.
Sunday, Cavan v Armagh: Armagh – 13/8
It’s rare that Cavan enter an Ulster championship match as favourites and that burden might weigh too heavily on their shoulders. Cavan were exceptional in the opening half of their shock success over Monaghan, but they were pretty ordinary after the break and were clinging on in the closing stages.
Armagh should have won comfortably before extra-time against Down, but they showed terrific character to come out on top in those additional periods and they belatedly earned a provincial win for the first time under Kieran McGeeney.
Rian O’Neill and Jamie Clarke scored 10 points between them in the win over Down with O’Neill kicking eight of those. Add Stefan Campbell into the mix and you have got an exciting attacking unit.
Armagh’s kicking style has the potential to pose Cavan all sorts of problems and McGeeney’s men look great value at 13/8 to cause a minor shock.
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