Westmeath v Wexford ( Saturday, 7.30pm, Wexford Park )
The last time these two sides met in championship was back in 1995 and on that occasion The Lakelanders suffered a humiliating 6-23 to 1-7 defeat.
A lot has changed in the meantime and it’s fair to say Wexford are not the force they were back then while Westmeath’s hurling fortunes have certainly risen in recent years.
Having to travel to the lions’ den won’t make this task any easier for Brian Hanley’s men but the Westmeath bainisteoir is bullish about his side’s chances. The bookies don’t give the midlanders a chance with Wexford trading at 1/50 and giving them 10 points in the handicap.
Wexford lost out narrowly to Offaly while Westmeath put in an encouraging display against Galway. Westmeath bagged 4-12 against the Tribesmen with Niall O’Brien in particular showing up well up front. However the concession of 5 -19 was worrying.
Westmeath will need to tighten up at the back but with all the pressure on The Model County and confidence high in the Westmeath camp anything is possible.
