Five changes made to Kildare team for final round game with Wexford

Brian Dowling and his management team have named the Kildare starting XV to face Wexford in Round 7 of Allianz Hurling League Division 1B. There are five changes with the return of Jack Sheridan added to by Mark Doyle replacing Paddy McKenna between the posts, as well as a potential rest for Muiris Curtin, Liam O'Reilly and Cian Boran who have been named on the bench. 

A break for some key men could be factoring into thinking of the Kildare boss, but Brian Dowling is also likely keeping his cards close to his chest with The Lilies' second meeting with Wexford on the horizon; when they face off in Round 1 of the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship on April 18 or 19.

KILDARE: Mark Doyle; Evan O'Briain, Rian Boran, Dan O'Meara; Paul Dolan, Simon Leacy, Harry Carroll; Daire Guerin, Conan Boran; Cathal McCabe, Gerry Keegan, Alan Goss; David Qualter, Jack Sheridan, Darragh Melville.

SUBS: Paddy McKenna, Cathal Derivan, James Dolan, Muiris Curtin, Cormac Byrne, Conn Kehoe, Liam O'Reilly, Cian Shanahan, Caolan Smith, Sean Whelan, Cian Boran.

FULL PREVIEW: Kildare must maintain goal-scoring form to topple Wexford

This final round clash represent a brilliant litmus test for both teams. With the Leinster SHC on the horizon and promotion highly unlikely, debate surrounds the extent to which Brian Dowling or Keith Rossiter will show their hand in this game. 

The Lilies travel to Wexford mathematically still in the hunt for a league final spot and promotion. Now, there may be more chance of a train driver getting lost but, with safety already secured against Carlow, there is little else to consider. 

Wexford, sitting on seven points, also head into the final round in hope more than expectation of a top two finish with Dublin likely as likely can be to beat Carlow. The Dubs sit on seven points themselves but boast a 50-point scoring differential advantage when compared to Kildare's final round opponents.