In the best tradition of Offaly hurling, Ollie Baker has instructed his players to go out and express themselves against Kilkenny on Sunday.

The former Clare All-Ireland winner and his players have nothing to lose against the Cats juggernaut so it is probably the only approach they can take for this one.

The betting odds accurately reflect the gulf that exits between these two sides. Offaly are 10/1 to pull of the biggest shock the hurling world has seen for many years while the All-Ireland champions are 1/33.

Henry Shefflin - who will miss his first championship game since 1999 - said this week that the Cats are expecting a 'tough test'.

Realistically, however, the best the Faithful County can hope for is to put up a spirited performance and keep the losing margin within single figures.

And Offaly are no different to practically every other county in that respect.

Brian Cody will make his eagerly awaited return to the Kilkenny sidelines after undergoing heart surgery earlier in the year so it is business as usual.

Midfielder Michael Fennelly, meanwhile, will join Shefflin in the dugout because of an ankle injury.

Offaly hurling received a boost with their Under 21s victory over Laois mid-week but their name will be in the drum for the qualifiers draw on Monday while Kilkenny will advance to a semi-final meeting against either Wexford or Dublin.

Verdict: Kilkenny

Offaly: James Dempsey; Chris McDonald, David Kenny, Kevin Brady; Rory Hanniffy, Ger Healion, Cathal Parlon; Conor Mahon, Dermot Mooney; Colin Egan, Brian Carroll, Ciaran Slevin; Shane Dooley, Joe Bergin, Sean Cleary.

Kilkenny: Eoin Murphy; Paul Murphy, JJ Delaney, Jackie Tyrrell; Tommy Walsh, Brian Hogan, Kieran Joyce; Lester Ryan, Michael Rice; TJ Reid, Richie Power, Eoin Larkin; Colin Fennelly, Richie Hogan, Aidan Fogarty.

Referee: Alan Kelly

Odds: Offaly 10/1, Draw 33/1, Kilkenny 1/33

Match Details:O'Connor Park, Tullamore; 2pm; Sunday, June 9th Tweet

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