1. Early exit looms for Cork or Wexford
This clash at Innovate Wexford Park is the pick of the first round qualifiers.
It’s the first time they’ve met since 2012 in the All-Ireland hurling championship and one of hurling’s traditional big guns will bow out early.
Both teams badly need a win as they look to bounce back from damaging provincial championship defeats.
Cork looked rudderless as they were outthought and outfought by Waterford in Munster and Wexford were hosed by Kilkenny at Nowlan Park.
Cork were beaten All-Ireland semi-finalists in 2014 and Wexford made steady progress to reach the quarter-finals.
But for one of them, dreams of progressing to the latter stages of the All-Ireland series will be extinguished over the weekend, barring a replay.
2. Clare can recreate 2013 qualifier magic
A home clash with Offaly in Ennis is the draw that Clare would have wanted.
The visitors are a dishevelled lot and a highly unlikely victory for Brian Whelahan’s Faithful County would represent one of the greatest shocks of modern times.
Despite their Munster championship loss to Limerick, Clare are operating at an infinitely higher level.
They were All-Ireland champions two years ago, steaming through the back door to September, and have a number of key stars back in their ranks.
Brendan Bugler will return from suspension, Conor McGrath is fit again and Colm Galvin’s decision to end his Boston voyage early is another major boost for boss Davy Fitzgerald.
A big victory is on the cards for the Banner County at Cusack Park.
3. A Leinster derby in Portlaoise
Two counties mauled by Galway in the Leinster championship attempt to regroup through the back door when Laois host Dublin in Portlaoise.
A 33-point aggregate margin separated this pair from the merciless Tribesmen in the provincial series, with Dublin faring slightly better.
The Sky Blues lost by 13 points against Galway before Anthony Cunningham’s men ran riot on Laois, racking up a 20-point win.
Following that straight line of form, a six or seven point victory for Dublin is on the cards but Ger Cunningham’s visitors must tread carefully.
Cork hero Cunningham still has plenty of class players at his disposal and will have been working hard to eradicate the defensive vulnerability that cost them dear against Galway.
It’s already been a decent season for Laois, who beat Offaly, and victory over Dublin would make it a super one.
4. Limerick’s visit to Westmeath
Only one winner here and Limerick hurling was boosted on Thursday evening with that smash and grab minor raid against Cork at the Gaelic Grounds.
Limerick’s seniors will now aim to extend their own championship interest and have the perfect opportunity to do just that against Westmeath.
The Lake County fell by eight points to Wexford in the Leinster championship and will now face a much changed Limerick team.
But while steady progress has been made under the tutelage of former Waterford boss Michael Ryan, they’re simply not good enough to compete with Limerick.
It’s a good chance for the Shannonsiders to embark on a bonding weekend while also sealing a positive result.
Limerick lost by 16 points to Tipperary but can quickly exorcise those demons with a solid performance.
5. Who will progress?
Two of the four games are foregone conclusions. Limerick will take care of Westmeath with minimum fuss and Clare could run riot at home to Offaly.
Dublin should do enough to get past Laois but a big home crowd could make things difficult for the Sky Blues.
The one that most hurling eyes will be focused on is the Cork-Wexford clash and this one is difficult to call.
With Alan Cadogan, Seamus Harnedy and Patrick Cronin in their ranks, Cork possess enough scoring power to trouble the hosts and Seamus Harnedy’s return is a major boost.
Cork still look wafer-thin in defence but if Aidan Walsh can recapture some of his lost form at midfield, the Rebels will have a solid foundation to work from.
The collateral damage suffered by Wexford against Kilkenny seems to be greater, suggesting that Cork can edge this.
But Wexford were stunning against Clare in last year’s qualifiers and will have a big home following.
