A key fixture awaits in Cusack Park, Ennis on Saturday night. The current reigning All Ireland SHC champions looking for a result like Tipperary.
The winner proceeds with confidence for the rest of the provincial campaign and the loser faces an early championship exit. Hawkeye Sidekick previews the fixture.
Clare
After a credible draw against Cork in round one, the seven day turnaround exposed clear pace issues in Walsh Park. It also revealed performance issues in a loss to Waterford.
Brian Lohan and management team have wasted no time to recall Shane O’Donnell back into the panel for this fixture. It shows the significance of the fixture for Clare. We are in must win territory from here on out.
The squad announced by Lohan sees both Aidan McCarthy and Conor Cleary omitted. Two big calls as Cleary’s experience at full back would be key. McCarthy will be the first to admit that his Walsh Park performance was not to the standards he aspires to. David Fitzgerald dropped to the bench also.
What do Clare need to improve upon? Middle third platform will be huge. Can John Conlon contribute a game winning performance? Conlon has struggled in parts of the campaign so far. Conlon needs to sit in the pocket and orchestrate attacking moves from half-back.
The full back spot for Clare looks problematic. Darragh Lohan has admirably filled the role but Lohan is a player suited further out the pitch. Tipperary will look to probe and exploit the spine of Clare’s defense. Tony Kelly needs to start for leadership and his ability to link the middle third units .
A high pressure game for Clare. Peter Duggan will continue to be the forward fulcrum. He will need Galvin, Meehan, and Reidy to score at regular intervals. If Tony Kelly returns, it will be a big boost. However, others will need to deliver. O’Farrell and Morgan will be assigned zonal marking of Kelly so a full team performance from Clare is required.
Tipperary
Liam Cahill has wasted little time to change personnel for this fixture. Rhys Shelly gets the nod in goal. Andrew Ormond is rewarded with a starting lineup berth. Gearoid O’Connor nowhere near the panel for this fixture as Noel McGrath starts from minute one.
The Cork loss saw resiliency and fight from Tipperary. The fixture finished as soon as Darragh McCarthy was issued with a red card by Johnny Murphy. Video analysis is a mute point given the numerical advantage.
How do Tipperary involve Ronan Maher to deliver a game winning performance? Maher and Conlon have struggled to effect games in round two.
It will be interesting to see how Tipperary look to sit Maher in the pocket to distribute. Tipperary need to have Ronan Maher on top form to win this contest. Clare will look to move Maher out of position.
The hurling talent is there in this starting lineup but the middle third pace will be tested. Tynan and Morgan in midfield has speed and physicality to boot. Tipperary have a good record in Ennis in recent times. Tipperary’s inside full forward threat is obvious for Clare.
Tipperary need to be defiant and look to stay in this championship come 9pm on Saturday night. A loss here and their campaign is in serious peril. This is an elimination championship fixture so Tipperary need to come to the party. Goals will win games.
Prediction
Clare’s form line heading into this campaign is mixed. We have seen flashes of progression in the second half cameo against Cork.
The Waterford loss though exposed the same issues seen in the opening half against Cork. Middle third issues, inside full forward line distribution issues which prevented Peter Duggan making a bigger impact.
This is a must win for Clare. The performance levels will be improved from Walsh Park but free taking duties is a question mark. John Conlon and Darragh Lohan’s performances will dictate the result for the Banner.
Tipperary have named a strong side. I like the lineup selected. Seymour’s inclusion means that Tipperary have a proven inside full forward threat. He can score big in open play.
Tipperary have enjoyed Ennis in recent visits. Clare looking to find form. Tipperary to close out the game late and win by 2 / 3 points. The nous of Noel McGrath decisive here throughout. Tipperary need this result more than Clare and this is why I give them the nod.