Davy Fitzgerald and his management team are unlikely to inform the players of Waterford’s league record at Nowlan Park ahead of Sunday afternoon’s league encounter. Since 1950, in 17 visits to the Marble City, Waterford have emerged victorious on four occasions. Kilkenny are not firing as we would traditionally associate with them at this time of year but they will be out to prove that they are moving in the right direction. This has been no ordinary league for Waterford either with Davy Fitzgerald’s appeal on Friday night the latest episode. A prospect of a league final remains an attainable goal however which could make this tie the game of the weekend.
Kilkenny began the league on a high against Tipperary but recent displays have given Brian Cody reason to ponder. Against Galway an inexperienced full back line and a nervy goalkeeping display resulted in the concession of four goals. Another worrying aspect of that afternoon in Salthill was how a nine point lead was quickly reversed by the Tribesmen. Certainly the resources beyond the top twenty players are perhaps not as strong as Cody imagined especially in defence. PJ Ryan could be in line for a recall in the number one shirt for Sunday with JJ Delaney likely to command the edge of the square. Newly installed captain Brian Hogan should be another to receive a quick recall. Up front Richie Hogan and Colin Fennelly are two of the newer crop pushing for a summer audition. Hogan’s display against Cork in round two of the league unleashed the potential Cody has invested in over the past couple of years. With 0-31 to date in the league and Fennelly chipping in with 2-4, it boosts an attack short the services of Richie Power, Henry Shefflin and Martin Comerford. Michael Fennelly at midfield has been another to shine in the current campaign. An All Star in 2010 the Ballyhale man is continuing to prove why he is one of the top midfielders in the country at this moment in time.
For Waterford the majority of the team that defeated Cork last time out is likely to remain. We can only rely on speculation here as official confirmation of a team has become increasingly difficult to obtain ahead of recent games. Maurice Shanahan will be forced to sit out the remainder of the league after breaking a finger in training during the week. Shanahan looked to be warming to the task in recent weeks with an encouraging second half display against Cork but his opportunity to nail down a permanent spot is now out of his hands. In Shanahan’s absence Eoin Kelly may make his first start of 2011 with Thomas Ryan and Eamonn Murphy the other options Davy possesses. Tony Browne could also be in line for a return at Nowlan Park with David O’Sullivan the likely member of back line to lose out in that event. With Clinton Hennessy still suspended, Stephen O’Keeffe is due another chance to build on his solid showing against Wexford. The full back line deserves to receive the vote of confidence but stiff tests in the form of Eddie Brennan, Richie Hogan and Eoin Larkin lie in wait. Shane Walsh will also test out his return to form against a team he scored two goals against in the 2009 All Ireland semi final. A good performance here could clinch that full forward berth in his favour.
After the disappointing manner of their defeat against Galway, Brian Cody will look to bounce back here especially in front of the home crowd. Davy Fitzgerald, from his seat in the stand, knows that his team must be ready for the Kilkenny onslaught from an early stage. He is gradually assembling a side that is close to his championship 15 and those on the fringes have not flinched in the challenges to date. Davy may be short too many players however, especially Shane O’Sullivan at midfield, to cause a serious upset. With the home side determined to get their league back on track and a defence that won’t leak four goals for the second consecutive game they look a solid bet for a three or four point win.
Allianz Hurling League Division 1
Kilkenny v Waterford
Throw in 2.30 at Nowlan Park
Referee: John Sexton
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