Dublin vs Tipperary Preview
The 2024 National Hurling League begins this weekend, and Dublin vs Tipperary is one of the first matches of the new season. Dublin will hope to improve on last season after finishing fourth in Division One Group B. Tipperary was fantastic in the group stage but failed to reach the final at the hands of the eventual winners, Limerick. Both clubs will have high hopes for the Allianz Hurling League this year.
Dublin struggled in Group B last season, only recording two wins against Antrim and Laois. In the first match against Waterford, the Dubs clinched a draw, which proved costly at the end of the campaign. Tipperary was the only team in the top division to record an unbeaten season. They were favourites to win it all until a shock defeat in the Division One semi-finals. This year, the Blue and Gold are hoping to get their first NHL title since 2008, and Dublin wants to improve on a mid-table position.
Dublin vs Tipperary Head-To-Head and Key Stats
The two hurling clubs have faced off several times over recent years. They have remained in Division One of the Allianz Hurling League for the past five years. Looking at the statistics, there have been 11 matches between the sides in the All-Ireland Championship. Out of those matches, Dublin has lost nine times and only managed one victory. Tipperary is by far the more dominant side, and the clubs have only drawn once.
The last championship meeting between Dublin and Tipperary was on July 8, 2017. They held the match at Semple Stadium in front of an expectant crowd. Tipperary proved too hot for Dublin to handle, as they dominated throughout the match. They outscored the Dubs on points and goals, enjoying a clear margin until the final whistle. Tipperary scored six goals and 26 points to win the match by a margin of 22. Dublin found the back of the net once and only registered 19 points.
The two famous GAA clubs met in round three of the NHL last season in another high-scoring game. Croke Park was the venue, and Tipperary was the worthy winner by five points. The score finished 0-24 to 2-23 in an entertaining game of hurling. At the start of the match, both sides scored long-range points, and Dublin took an early lead. Tipperary wasted no time to pin the Dubs back, including maintaining a two-point advantage throughout the first half.
At Croke Park, @TipperaryGAA continues to go from strength to strength with an impressive win over Dublin putting them at the head of Division 1B! Watch the highlights from the game below with #GAANOW. pic.twitter.com/DPMaTcSrVN
— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 28, 2023
Tipp made two changes at halftime, taking off Brian McGrath and Conor Stakelum for Noel McGrath and Conor Bowe. Bowe has an immediate impact on the game thanks to a neat turn by Mark Kehoe. Kehoe ran dangerously toward the 20-meter line before handing it off to Bowe, who was unmarked on the right-hand side. He gathers the sliotar brilliantly with his hurley before firing into the far-left corner of the net. Dublin fought back to keep within four points of Tipp, but a costly mistake from goalkeeper Seán Brennan wrapped things up. A long hopeful ball up the park by the Tipp corner-back stays in the air for an age, encouraging Brennan to come for it. However, he hesitates, allowing Jason Forde to prod it home.
If you are thinking about betting on this hurling match, Tipp has been a worthy winner far more consistently than Dublin. In a new season, surprise results can happen, but the Dubs have struggled historically against the Blue and Gold. It would be a contender for the game of the season if Dublin can pull it off.
Dublin vs Tipperary Predictions
As this is the first game of the Allianz Hurling League, neither team will want to start the season with a defeat. However, history favours Tipperary, and it appears so do the online bookmakers. Looking at various sports betting sites, there is a clear consensus that Tipperary is the favourite. With odds of 1/3, a €20 wager will only return €26.67 if the away side is victorious. Dublin has odds of 11/4, which will turn €20 into €75 if they can achieve an impressive upset. Draws in hurling are not common, and the odds of a tie in this fixture are 10/1.
Our prediction this week corresponds to what the bookies are saying. While we would love to see a close match, we think Tipperary will win the game by at least three points. Historically, the Tipp has won this matchup by margins well over ten points. It would be wise to expect the Dubs’ defence to make Tipperary work for it, but there is a gulf in class between the clubs. Even though this is the first game of the season, we expect the visitors to hit the back of the net at least once and score over 20 points.
Betting on the NHL is never easy, as anything can happen during a season. Looking at the performances of both clubs in the last campaign, Tipperary finished at the top of Division One Group B. They were the only team in the top division group stage without a defeat. Out of both divisions, the Tipps had the best point difference, with +59 after five games. The only game they lost all season was in the semi-final against Limerick. Dublin was a mid-table side last year, having picked up a win, draw, and defeat after the first three matches. If you are looking at the past for a sign of how this season will unwind, everything seems to point towards a Tipperary victory.
If you are going to bet on Tipperary to win, predicting their winning margin is probably the best wager. However, if you are going to live bet on this fixture, you need to time your moves correctly. The last time these two sides faced off in Division One, they traded points for the first half an hour. Dublin got the early lead but did not hang on for long before the Tipp edged a two-point lead. If you bet too early on this match, you could miss the only opportunity to receive greater odds on the favourite. Plus, if Tipperary takes the lead early and holds it, you can look at other markets or decide to hold on to your cash.
Dublin vs Tipperary Betting Tips
This is the first week of the hurling season, and it’s often the most difficult to get right. Betting on Gaelic sports is difficult all year round, but there is little to go on heading into the NHL. As there are two top-level divisions, choosing the right game is vitally important. We expect Tipperary to win this match, and so do the bookies. That means finding a wager that is low in risk and high in returns is difficult for this fixture. There is no need to risk your cash if you don’t stand to make a decent profit.
If you are determined to use an online betting site for this event, you must examine other markets. Fixtures with a clear favourite are often far more rewarding when you look at handicap bets. This week, Tipperary has a handicap of -4. That means they are starting this match four points down against Dublin. For your bet to win, the Tipp must beat the Dubs by five points or more. The odds of them doing so are 10/11, which will turn a €20 bet into €38.18. However, if you think Dublin will stay within four points of Tipperary at the final whistle, you can bet on the home side.
In a hurling match like this, predicting the winning margin is often another way to increase your returns. However, online betting platforms segment your options. That means you will have to choose if Tipperary will win by one to three points, four to seven, or over seven points. We believe Dublin will lose this game by at least three points. It could be a safer bet to just use the handicap this weekend.
As this is the first Allianz Hurling League fixture, it’s an opportunity to register at a bookmaker. New players who sign up for online betting sites receive a welcome bonus when they make a deposit. This is great news as anybody can register and use a free bet on the GAA matches this weekend. That way, you can choose to bet on this match without risking your money. Or you can investigate other fixtures in the division to see if there is a more profitable option. Remember, anything can happen in the NHL, especially in week one. Be careful with how much you are staking and the number of events you bet on.
