Preview: Big battle between Celbridge and Sarsfields to top Group D, while Eadestown fight relegation mire

Group D Confey v Eadestown Confey’s championship campaign has been a serious let down for the north Kildare side in comparison to recent years, with a chastening defeat suffered at the hands of Sarsfields in the first round of the group before they showed much more fight against Celbridge and still lost comprehensively. They were much improved defensively in their most recent game, but they look extremely short of options up front outside of James Gately, who has been their standout performer so far. They have lost a large number of panel players since last year, and at this stage making a quarter-final would be a fine accomplishment. Eadestown have been in worse form however, and they have shipped heavy hammerings against Sarsfields and Celbridge. A relegation battle was always likely for Philly Wolfe’s side, but they still have an outside chance against a Confey team who are likely low on confidence. Verdict: Confey Sarsfields v Celbridge One of the standout ties of the weekend with plenty riding on it, both of these teams will be looking for a straight passage to the last eight. Sarsfields have looked quite good so far in their quest to regain the county title they relinquished last year, and with some of their main players hitting good form, they have every chance of going all the way. Alan Smith and Dan Nea have been providing the scoring threat up front, but there is a worry for manager Paul Doyle after Ben McCormack limped off with a hamstring injury against Eadestown. The Sash have also been boosted by the return of Shea Ryan, Con Kavanagh and Conor Hartley to the panel, all of whom spent the summer in the US. Celbridge were not all that impressive against Confey, but there is certainly more in them if they can hit top form. They have one of the strongest defences in the county, while the midfield partnership of Kevin Flynn and Fergal Conway is a daunting proposition for any opposition to deal with. Liam O’Flynn and Kevin O’Callaghan were excellent against Confey in the last round, and that bodes well for Trevor O’Sullivan’s men as David Hughes could do with a bit more help on the scoring stakes. However, Sarsfields appear to be in better form and should edge a tight game. Verdict: Sarsfields