LEINSTER SHC ROUND TWO

WEXFORD v DUBLIN

Chadwicks Wexford Park, 5pm - Sky Sports Arena

WHEN the fixture list was drawn up, both teams would have circled this one on their calendars.

Wexford were always going to prioritise their home games and need to build on the comeback draw against Galway last weekend.

Dublin were always going to be too strong for Westmeath first day out, and this game is a real test of where they are.

From goalkeeper to midfield, Dublin have a lot going for them.

In Chris Crummey, they have a player any team would covet.

But finding enough quality forwards has always been an issue for the Dubs.

Lee Chin showed how important he is to Wexford, making a big impact off the bench against Galway.

If they’re to do anything this summer, they’ll need Chin firing on all cylinders.

Wexford should win this with a bit to spare.

VERDICT: Wexford

GALWAY v WESTMEATH

Pearse Stadium, 6pm

THIS could be a difficult summer for the Galway hurlers.

Manager Henry Shefflin was always going to have the spotlight on him, given his status in the game.

Shefflin never shirked a challenge but maybe he didn’t realise how far Galway had slipped.

It was telling that he made an approach to Joe Canning to reconsider his decision to retire, but you could argue that was always worth a try.

Many of Canning’s most trusted allies, though, are showing signs of wear and tear.

Galway, at their best, relied on a very strong central spine. That doesn’t look anything like as formidable now.

They’ll beat Westmeath comfortably but the jury is very much out on where Galway stand.

VERDICT: Galway

KILKENNY v LAOIS

UPMC Nowlan Park, 5.30pm

IF he had to pick the Cats’ start to the Championship, Brian Cody would probably have gone for this one.

Free the first weekend, and then a gimme at home to Laois in the second weekend.

They comfortably seem to be the best team in Leinster still, and can put it up to the Munster big guns.

Cody will be hoping that some of his lesser known players are to the fore this evening.

He knows what his main men can do, but they have often been asked to do too much.

Seamus ‘Cheddar’ Plunkett is one of the great hurling evangelists and has done a huge amount for Laois.

His teams always empty the tank. They’ll give what they have in Nowlan Park but it won’t be anywhere near enough.

VERDICT: Kilkenny