Kilkenny vs Dublin: Prediction & Odds - Leinster Hurling Finals

🏆 Kilkenny vs Dublin Leinster Championship Prediction

The Dubs are now winless in nine matches against Kilkenny since they prevailed in a provincial semi-final way back in 2013. This sequence was extended just two weeks ago, when the Cats defeated Dublin by two points thanks to a last-gasp strike by Eion Cody. However, just a point separated the teams at half-time, while the match was level nine times in total and eight in the second 35 minutes.

This will offer hope to the Dubs, who also avoided defeat in their other four provincial matches. Antrim were thrashed by 20 points at Parnell Park, for example, as the fit again Donal Burke scored 1-11 (including eight frees). Burke has struck an impressive 2-51 in his five Leinster appearances so far in 2024, and he’ll be central to Dublin’s chances of winning at Croke Park next weekend.

However, Kilkenny arguably have a little more depth in attack than their opponents, with 12-time Leinster winner TJ Reid having contributed 2-40 in the 2024 provincial campaign so far. Cody’s timely return from injury saw him deliver the decisive blow against Dublin on Leinster matchday four, while he now has a career record of seven goals and 59 points in just 18 provincial appearances. He hit 3-23 during the Cats National League campaign, too, as Derek Lyng’s men reached the Division One final (where they narrowly lost to Clare).

Kilkenny’s All-Star forward Adrian Mullen is also in line for a return after injury, after making the matchday panel for the final Leinster win over Wexford. So, the Cats will boast significant attacking options both in their starting 15 and from the bench, and this may ultimately make the difference in what’s sure to be a tight and keenly contested match.

💯 Kilkenny vs Dublin Leinster Championship Odds

Dublin’s sole provincial defeat in 2024 came at the hands of Kilkenny, while just a point separated the two sides after five rounds of fixtures. So, the Leinster final should be a competitive encounter, with the most popular hurling betting markets including the match winner, handicapping and the over/under on how many points will be scored during normal time. Winning margin betting in favour of Kilkenny is also likely to be popular, especially given the Cats’ head-to-head dominance in this fixture since 2013.

Kilkenny vs Dublin: Match Winner

The pre-game odds ahead of the Leinster final are almost identical to those that preceded the recent provincial clash on May 18th. More specifically, you can back Kilkenny to defeat Dublin at an average price of 1.25, implying an 80% probability of the Cats prevailing at Croke Park. Conversely, the Dubs’ odds of around 4.30 suggest that they have just a 23.25% chance of winning and claiming their first Leinster title since 2013. The draw can be backed at 12.00, implying an 8.33% probability of the match ending tied after 70 minutes.

Team to win
Kilkenny to Win	1.25	1.25	TBC	1.25	TBC
Dublin to Win	4.30	4.30	TBC	4.30	TBC
Draw	12.00	12.00	TBC	12.00	TBC

1️⃣ Kilkenny Update

When the Cats trailed Dublin by one point entering the stoppage time at Parnell Park last month, their 2024 Leinster campaign hung in the balance. After all, a defeat here would have followed successive draws at Galway and Carlow, leaving the defending provincial champions with just four points from four matches. Cody’s superb angled finish past Dublin stopper Sean Brennan changed everything, however, while Kilkenny subsequently defeated Wexford by a single point in matchday five to reach a seventh consecutive Leinster final. Once again, the Cats were far from convincing at Nowlan Park, but the talismanic TJ Reid (1-13) showcased his unique ability to deliver when it matters the most. This type of big-game pedigree may prove crucial when Kilkenny meet the Dubs at Croke Park.

The return to full fitness of Cody has provided a huge boost to Kilkenny’s attack, while Mullen’s recovery from a groin injury will afford the Cats an additional competitive edge against the Dubs. Mullen could well replace fellow forward John Donnelly in the Cats’ starting 15 for the Leinster final, after the latter incurred a hand injury during last weekend’s pivotal provincial victory over Wexford.

2️⃣ Dublin Update

Micheál Donoghue’s Dublin side have now lost just one of their previous six matches heading into the Leinster final, since they were defeated by Galway at the Pearse Stadium in a National League clash on March 10th. Interestingly, they avenged their defeat to the ‘The Tribesmen’ in the final round of provincial fixtures, winning by six points in Salthill as the aforementioned Donal Burke struck 1-10 to continue his excellent personal campaign. A total of 14 players contributed to the Dubs’ tally against Galway, while they dominated much of the second half after the dismissal of David Burke. What’s more, Dublin were highly efficient in front of goal against Galway, which will provide reassurance after they hit a surprising number of wides during their previous loss to Kilkenny

The Dubs reported no new injury or suspension concerns in the wake of their matchday five win against Galway. However, left-corner back Cian O'Callaghan will miss out as he continues his recovery from a hamstring strain, while Fionntan MacGibb is also absent from the Leinster final panel with an ankle injury.

👕Kilkenny vs Dublin - Potential Lineups

✒️ Lewis Humphries – Expert Tipster

Lewis Humphries is an experienced football and GAA writer and tipster from the UK. He writes regularly about the Champions League, Premier League, Serie A and the GAA provincial championships, regularly delivering expert match predictions and betting insights. He also successfully predicted the winner of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while accurately forecasting the outcome of several group stage and knockout games.