Following Kilkenny's impressive performance against Cork, both these sides will know that they face a tough task in lifting the Liam MacCarthy Cup. However, that will not stop them from doing their damnedest to reach the final.

For Tipperary, they will be looking to gain revenge on the Cats for last year's defeat, while Waterford could use the same tool for inspiration, although for many of their players, it is a case of making the most of what will more than likely be their last chance to gain an All-Ireland senior medal. Tipp enter the match as favourites and justifiably so, given their performance against Galway in the quarter-final. They seem to be hitting top form just at the right time, but they meet a side that will be every bit as physical as Cork were when they met in the opening round of the Munster championship. Tipp were unsettled that day and there is no doubt that the Déise will adopt the same tactics of knocking the lighter and younger Tipp side out of their stride.

Waterford have the players to trouble Tipp and the word 'dogged' might not be a fair reflection on their style of play, but it is fitting all the same. They are quite simply a hard team to beat, but that is not to say that they have their flaws also. One area that Tipp could capitalise on is the Waterford full back line where Eoin Kelly, Lar Corbett and Noel McGrath could benefit greatly. They could also isolate Tony Browne and despite producing some heroic performances this year, at 37 years old, could he keep pace with the likes of Gearoid Ryan or Shane McGrath?

Midfield will be a key area and this is where Waterford could thrive. Shane O'Sullivan is in excellent form and if they can get the right supply into the forwards then John Mullane and Eoin Kelly will score, there's no question of that. Waterford's physicality is going to cause problems for Tipp and it remains to be seen whether they can cope with that.

Davy Fitzgerald has won his first major trophy at inter-county level following the Munster final success and he will be eager to carry on that winning streak. Dan Shanahan and Ken McGrath will more than likely start on the bench, but no doubt they will be introduced at some stage and if they can have the same impact has they have had so far, then Waterford could be headed for the second All-Ireland final appearance in three years. Verdict: Waterford

Ladbrokes.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://sports.ladbrokes.com/en-ie/GAA/Inter-County-HurlingGAA/Inter-County-Hurling-t210004795">Ladbrokes.com odds: Tipperary 2/5, Draw 10/1, Waterford 5/2 Tweet

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