1. Weight of expectation on Waterford
Waterford now find themselves in unfamiliar territory, cast in the role of firm favourites.
They were underdogs for the Allianz League final against Cork and even though they beat the Rebels then, the bookies still had them as outsiders for the Munster semi-final.
Again, Waterford answered the questions thrown at them but Tipp were flagged up as pre-match favourites ahead of the Munster final – and delivered on that billing.
But Waterford’s remarkable progress in 2015 will see them start as many people’s fancy to advance past Dublin on Sunday, and seal a place in the last four of the All-Ireland series.
How Waterford cope with the rising levels of expectation within the county will make for interesting viewing.
2. How will defeat impact on the Déise?
Waterford hadn’t lost a game in League or championship in 2015 until coming a cropper against Tipperary in the Munster final.
But manager Derek McGrath, as is his wont, was eager to accentuate the positives following that defeat.
McGrath accepted that Tipp were marginally better on the day and vowed that Waterford would benefit from the experience.
Perhaps losing that game, in hindsight, might not be a bad thing in terms of Waterford’s long-term development.
They now have the chance to put things right against Dublin and return to winning ways.
3. Was Dublin’s victory over Limerick a false dawn?
Dublin’s heavy defeat to Galway in the Leinster championship replay exposed serious flaws.
But manager Ger Cunningham was quick to react, revamping his team for the qualifiers.
The return of Liam Rushe to centre back was a good move on Cunningham’s behalf and Paul Ryan has regained confidence and form having been restored to the starting line-up.
Ryan was superb in the victory over Limerick at Semple Stadium, splitting a 12-point haul evenly between play and placed balls.
But it’s unlikely that the ace forward will get the same kind of space to operate in against a resolute Waterford defence.
4. The tactical battle…
Waterford aren’t expected to deviate from the norm, which will see Tadhg de Búrca operate in the sweeper role once again.
De Búrca was a pivotal player in the Munster final, executing 20 plays over the course of the 70 minutes.
How Dublin break down the Waterford system is a question that will have exercised the mind of Ger Cunningham since it was confirmed that the two counties would meet in the last six.
Workrate is very much a key for Dublin, applying maximum pressure on the Waterford defenders as they attempt to work the ball out of defence through the lines.
Dublin will look to flood the middle third with bodies in an attempt to at least break even in this key area.
To avoid the sweeper, they can use short puckouts to gain primary possession and go long, or work the channels in an attempt to ensure that de Búrca is made to work hard.
5. Can Dublin spring a surprise?
On all known form this year, a Dublin victory would be a turn-up for the books.
Waterford won the League title and performed admirably in the Munster championship while Dublin have had to regroup following that Galway mauling.
But Waterford won’t need reminding that it was the Sky Blues who relegated them from Division 1A of the Allianz Hurling League in 2014.
And after that stirring comeback against Limerick, some lost confidence has been restored to the Dublin camp.
The Sky Blues are coming to Thurles with a recent victory under their belts but Waterford, in contrast, lost the Munster final at Semple Stadium.
6. So who’ll advance?
If both teams play to form, this one will be close.
Dublin will be anxious to improve on their quarter-final display against Tipperary last year, when they bowed out in tame fashion to signal the end of the Anthony Daly reign.
Despite that heavy loss to Galway, Dublin were always going to present dangerous opposition in the qualifiers and they successfully negotiated big challenges against Laois and Limerick to revive their season.
Waterford still harbour ambitions of All-Ireland glory and Derek McGrath has them moving very much in the right direction.
On paper at least, the Déise appear better placed to emerge as genuine All-Ireland contenders and they can continue along the right path with a narrow win.
