Pete’s Picks – Sunday’s Live GAA Analysis & Tips

Séamus Callanan nailed Galway for 3-8 in the All-Ireland SHC first-round qualifier last year and can torment the westerners again on Sunday in Croke Park.

Tipperary v Galway, Hurling, RTÉ, Sky Sports 3, 4pm
Tipp and Galway collide once more for the prize of a spot in the All-Ireland final against, who else, Kilkenny and the former county are favourites to advance. The Premier side are 4/9 to win the tie in regulation-time while the Tribesmen are 9/4 and the draw 10/1.

The main handicap betting line has been set at three points and even though Anthony Cunningham’s outfit have performed admirably thus far, Tipp have been the side trusted to land bettors outright spoils from the get-go.

So despite the fact money will come for Galway at the prices, I have no intention of jumping the Tipp ship at this stage.

Tipp Explosion
Initially, the idea of supporting Galway in receipt of a five-point alternative handicap betting head-start was toyed with in the thought-process that Tipp may win by any margin up to four points.

However, as the contest draws closer the belief is that Eamon O’Shea’s unit are going to explode at headquarters. Like a sniper waiting in the long grass, Tipp have been extremely quiet in their approach to this encounter, similar in the way they approached their match against Limerick in particular. And it is probable a significant display from the Premier is up-coming.

Some Boy Seamus
Callanan pilfered a whopping 3-8 including 3-1 in open play in the Championship meeting of 2014 and could have his eye in again on this occasion.

He is 7/2 to raise the first green flag of the afternoon and may well do so but preference is for backing the Drom & Inch clubman to be selected as the RTÉ Man of the Match. Callanan was short-listed for the award in Tipp’s landslide victory over TJ Ryan’s men and also produced an excellent display in the Munster final whereby his insatiable work-rate was evident throughout the field. The attacker destroyed Cork at the same stage of the Championship last summer and could be on the verge of a majestic match-winning showing on Sunday.

Additionally, and similar to Callanan, Pádraic Maher was short-listed for RTÉ’s MVP gong in the Gaelic Grounds – an award John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer received – and was hugely effective in a sweeping role against Waterford. It is likely one of these two players will be recognised for their contributions at the third time of asking this summer.

Recommended Bets
The match total points line is at 51.5 but there was 59 tallied in the 2014 clash with Tipp prevailing 3-25 (34) to 4-13 (25). If the weather conditions are decent, that line could be surpassed once more.

Galway have been incredibly bullish about their chances of progressing to the final and due to hitting 23 wides in their quarter-final success over Cork, they clearly have scope for further improvement.

Still, the westerners will not get anywhere near as much room against Tipp and the Premier can drive on to the September showpiece.

Pete’s Picks:
Tipperary -3 @ Evens
Séamus Callanan RTÉ Man of the Match
Pádraic Maher RTÉ Man of the Match

Already advised:
Tipperary To Win All-Ireland SHC @ 11/4
Séamus Callanan Hurler of the Year @ 11/1
Pádraic Maher Hurler of the Year @ 25/1

*Prices correct at time of publication