Shane, Michael and Darach Horan preview the Munster hurling clash between Clare and Cork at Cusack Park in Ennis.
Darach Honan believes that Cork will punish Clare if they are given goal opportunities at Cusack Park.
The Rebels were scintillating at times in their draw with Tipperary but left some great chances for green flags behind them.
The Banner conceded five majors to Tipp in their opening-round defeat, but tightened things up hugely for the win in Limerick.
Picking the right match-ups will be key at both ends of the pitch, with Honan’s old teammates Tony Kelly the subject of much conjecture.
Sean O’Donoghue could be back in the mix for Sunday and may be one option, while Ger Millerick may be considered due to his versatility.
Waterford midfielder Darragh Lyons had a torrid time on Kelly in Clare’s 12-point win last weekend, with the Deise man spending plenty of time in his own full-back line.
“It’s going to be interesting to see who picks up Tony — as always, it is going to be interesting to see what they do,” says Honan.
“The Tipperary and Waterford approach was man-marking, whereas Limerick give him that bit more freedom usually.
“I don’t think Darragh Lyons was the right man and Tony showed that by getting man of the match, and scoring 13 points.
“It was pretty smart of Clare to put him in there because (Lyons) is not used to corner-back, and it was a good chance to take advantage of this match-up.
“This weekend, I’ll be interested to see how Darragh Fitzgibbon gets on at centre-forward.
“He had a brilliant game the first day and a bit quieter the second day, so John (Conlon) will probably be picking him up at times.
“As always with the half-forwards, you’re marking them but you’re relying on the half-forwards to come back and chip in as well.
“Clare probably don’t do that man-marking really in the middle of the field, but there are loads of interesting match-ups.”
The pace in the Cork line may prove to be a thorn in Clare’s side this weekend, as it was for Tipp for large spells.
“Yeah there’s a lot of pace but there’s a lot of pace in the Clare backs too,” says Honan.
“Adam Hogan is lively, David McInerney, Diarmaid Ryan, Rory Hayes — so I’m not overly worried about that side of it.
“Clare will need to keep compact, and against Tipperary we left too much space for their forwards to operate in.
“I’d be hoping that the midfield and half-forwards start the game would work back the field that bit more and limit Cork’s options.
“Cork opened up Tipp very early and often and they didn’t really capitalise on it.
“You can’t allow Cork those chances in Ennis because if they do capitalise, you’re in a bad way then.”
