Alan Rodgers / 24 July 2010 Free Bet View Market

"Antrim will get off to a good start and challenge strongly for a while before fading from half-time onwards."

NOW is the time when the hurling championship gets really serious with two games guaranteed to provide a very clear indication of how three of the main challengers for the Liam McCarthy Cup are shaping up in the race to deny the Kilkenny Cats that historic fifth consecutive title.

Tipperary v Galway

Just a few short weeks ago, both these counties were being strongly tipped to make a big mark in the 2010 Championship. But below-par performances have led to a reassessment of their credentials, leaving them with a lot to prove as they bid for a place in the semi-finals.

At least a victory in this Quarter Final tie will dispel some of the doubts. For, whoever emerges from this clash will be firmly back on track and full of confidence as they prepare for the semi-final. But the big question nevertheless centres on which of them can recover best and send out a message of intent for the closing stages of the title-race.

Looking at the bigger picture, the Premier county still appear to be the best equipped. While their defeat by Cork in Munster has caused inevitable concern, they are still being seen as creditable contenders and a big display here would leave them well-placed to reproduce the level of intensity which characterised their play in last year's All-Ireland Final.

Liam Sheehy has selected the same fifteen which defeated Offaly last time out. They will take reasonable heart from the manner in which the Faithful county and Wexford previously were disposed off. While neither was clear-cut, the result was what mattered and they will know only too well of what's being demanded from them now.

Hurling needs these two counties to start delivering on their potential. There's absolutely no doubting the form of players such as Eoin Kelly and Lar Corbett in attack, Paul Curran, Conor O'Mahony and Brendan Maher.

It's a similar situation for Galway. Everyone is well aware of the talents of players such as Joe Canning, Tony Og Regan and Ger Farragher and David Burke. But an All-Ireland Senior title is the only one that will satisfy.

This game will be won and lost in Tipp's ability to thwart the Galway attack. If Paul Curran and Conor O'Mahony can get into their stride, then the way should be clear for Eoin Kelly and Lar Corbett to make their mark in attack. But, make no mistake, the hurling world is watching closely the form of both counties.

Considering recent events, a draw at 22/1 is very tempting, as is things to be level at half-time and full-time at 64/1.

Recommendation: +1 Galway/Tipperary 5/1

Cork v Antrim

Six years ago Antrim manager, Dinny Cahill famously declared that the Saffrons would beat the Rebels in the Quarter Final, before adding that Brian Corcoran was effectively finished as a force. A drubbing followed and the Tipp native has been a lot more circumspect in his comments during recent days.

But the result still isn't in doubt because the defeated Munster Finalists possess the greater level of intensity, teamwork and speed in the execution of the skills to comfortably progress from this one.

As usual in games of this type, the only thing in doubt is the margin of victory. The Ulster Champions will have to be on top form to keep in touch here, and they have some useful enough players to achieve that. Cormac Donnelly in defence, Ciaran Heron, Paul Shields and in attack, the likes of Neil McManus, PJ O'Connell, Karl McKeegan and Liam Watson are all useful players.

But Sean Og's comments about thinking they were out of the championship apart, Antrim don't have the strength to cause the shock of this or any recent championship. Expect Niall McCarthy, Ben O'Connor, Aiskae O Hilpin and company to score freely and progress to the semi-final with plenty to spare.

Antrim will get off to a good start and challenge strongly for a while before fading from half-time onwards.

Recommendation: Draw/Cork 18/1