It hasn’t been a perfect start for Fitzgerald’s Wexford hurlers..
In their first outing of the Allianz National Hurling League, Wexford comprehensively defeated Laois at O’Moore Park. Unfortunately for the Yellowbellies, they failed to back that performance up the week after, when Brian Lohan’s Clare came to town.
A loss to Clare sees Wexford now on third spot of the Allianz League table.
After this weekend’s break, Wexford now look forward to welcoming Brian Cody’s Kilkenny to Chadwicks Wexford Park.
When Wexford meet Kilkenny at the weekend, it will be a repeat of last year’s Leinster hurling final, which saw Wexford claim their first Leinster title since 2004.
Kilkenny have started their Allianz League campaign with two wins from two. With comfortable wins over Dublin and Carlow, the Cats sit on top spot of Division 1B.
Here, we look at the some of the talking points ahead of the eagerly awaited clash between Wexford and Kilkenny.
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Returning players:
Wexford have been without some of their star players this campaign. Wexford manager Davy Fitzgerald hinted that some of those key players, such as joint-captains Matt O’Hanlon and Lee Chin, could soon return and see game-time against Kilkenny.
Return to winning ways?
Losing to Clare at home was a set-back. It won’t be easy bouncing back against Kilkenny, who will be eager to lay down a marker after last year’s Leinster final loss. A return to winning ways would see another valuable two points added to the Allianz League table.
After the Kilkenny clash, Wexford’s remaining games are Dublin and Carlow. With respect to those counties mentioned, Kilkenny is the most difficult out of those, so they’ll doing everything in their power to attain the win.
The favourites tag:
Wexford enter the game as slight favourites. Major Irish bookmakers have priced the Yellowbellies to win at 10/11, Kilkenny at 11/10, while the draw is priced at 8/1. Given the close margins of previous games, a draw would not be out of the ordinary for this clash.
New players:
Aidan Rochford, who came into the panel this year, has been a stand-out player for the Yellowbellies in recent games. It’ll be interesting to see if Davy attempts to blood any new players and test them against another top-team.
For those who cannot attend the game, TG4 will be broadcasting the game.
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