Recently retired Antrim star Neil McManus is expecting a classic encounter when Clare and Kilkenny meet at Croke Park on Sunday for a place in the All-Ireland SHC final.

With holders Limerick and Galway set to clash at headquarters on Saturday, hurling very much takes centre stage this weekend as the race for the Liam MacCarthy Cup will dwindle down to two teams.

Writing in his column for BBC Sport NI, McManus is predicting Kilkenny and Limerick to once again be the two sides left standing.

“Derek Lyng is in his maiden season as Kilkenny boss, having replaced the legendary Brian Cody last year, and will be hoping to recreate his illustrious playing career as manager.

“Winning back the All-Ireland would be a monumental achievement. Their last success was in 2015. That's a mini-famine for a county of their stature, but they're two big results away from ending it. They've had four weeks to prepare for the first half of the job.

“Last year's semi-final was disappointingly one-sided but I'm expecting this one to be a classic. There is much to admire about this Clare side, but I feel their injury concerns give Kilkenny the edge to set up a mouthwatering rematch of last year's All-Ireland final against Limerick.”

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