It's never too early for hurling league permutations

Too early for hurling league permutations? Not at all – three of the Division 1 quarter-final places have already been filled. But what about the other five and the relegation play-offs? Here’s what the counties need to do:

Division 1A

Waterford (6 points, +8 score difference)

After a 10th straight league win last weekend, Derek McGrath claimed Waterford weren’t yet out of the woods and there was a strong possibility a team with six points may end up in a relegation play-off. It’s perfectly understandable McGrath wants to quell the hype but it can’t happen as at least Galway or Tipperary will fall short of the six-point mark. Waterford, therefore, can already look ahead to a quarter-final on April 2 or 3.

Kilkenny (4 points, +5)

Beat Cork tomorrow and Kilkenny will avoid a second successive relegation play-off. Failing that, victory against Dublin in Nowlan Park on Sunday week will secure their quarter-final berth.

Dublin (4 points, +3)

Ger Cunningham’s aim for Dublin to win their two home games came to pass but trips to Walsh and Nowlan Park are tricky assignments. A win from either sees them into the knockout stages. Waterford are already safe so it remains to be seen how that affects their approach to Sunday’s clash. By the time Dublin travel to Kilkenny, the All-Ireland champions may also be sitting pretty.

Tipperary (2 points, +8)

Prior to their last visit to Pearse Stadium, Tipperary had a fine league record against Galway in Salthill. Should they take the two points there on Sunday, they know they will end up ahead of Tribesmen should the pair – and the pair only – finish on four points. Finishing alone with Dublin wouldn’t be so bad either as they would pip them on the head-to-head differentiation.

Galway (2 points, -5)

A win over Tipperary will go a long way to guaranteeing top-flight survival and sealing a last-eight game. In the event they don’t take the two points, they will hope Waterford, who have secured their Division 1A status, may take their eye off the ball in the final game and Dublin remain on four points.

Cork (0 points, -19)

Even victories in their last two round games against Kilkenny and Tipperary is unlikely to be enough to save them from a relegation play-off, their second in four seasons. Their poor score difference means the chances are they would lose out should they finish on the same number of points as other teams.

Division 1B

Limerick (6 points, +26)

Along with Waterford, Limerick and Clare are Division 1 quarter-finalists. Their date away to Clare on Sunday week will be the promotion final in all but name. However, score difference will come into play should both teams win this weekend and share the spoils in Cusack Park.

Clare (6 points, +24)

Although there is talk Clare may only have seven fit defenders this weekend, a handsome win over Kerry, one that trumps Limerick’s result at home to Laois, could mean a huge amount if Sunday week’s de facto promotion final ends in a draw.

Wexford (2 points, +5)

Liam Dunne’s men boast a healthy score difference and two points from the remaining games should see them face a Division 1A side at the start of next month.

Offaly (2 points, -15)

At this point in time, it appears their final round fixture with Kerry looks like the make-or-break one. Stealing a point or two from Wexford Park this weekend would, though, muddy the waters.

Kerry (2 points, -20)

Defeats for Kerry and Offaly this weekend will most likely mean one of them will form half of a relegation play-off. Regardless of what Offaly do, a shock win for Kerry in Ennis on Sunday may be immaterial.

Laois (0 points, -20)

It appears the O’Moore County require four points from four to be in with a shout of saving themselves from a relegation play-off.