It’s definitely going to be close: Mark Schutte

Dublin's senior hurlers open this Leinster SHC campaign when they face Wexford in Croke Park this Saturday night (7.15).

Dublin forward Mark Schutte is expecting nothing less than a tight battle for the right to face Kilkenny in the provincial semi-final.

"It's definitely going to be close. It's been a while since Wexford played (Championship) in Croke Park so they'll be up for it," says the Cuala clubman.

"We always know when we've played Wexford that it's been a huge battle. Even at minor and under-21, I think there's never been much between the teams.

"We've been beaten by Wexford many times so we know what the risks are there. But we're ready."

Mark is anticipating a more cohesive Dublin display than perhaps exhibited last summer.

"This is Ger's (Cunningham) second year. He knows the players better. We know him a lot better. Ger knows what he wants out of the team and we know what he wants off us.

"So it's probably a lot more cohesive that way. People know exactly what's expected of them and people are a lot clearer of what they're about than this time last year."

Rival manager Liam Dunne says the Slaneysiders have been looking forward to Saturday's duel since the draw was made.

With Wexford's footballers also in action in Croke Park on Saturday (v Kildare, 5.15) they are likely to bring a big crowd.

"You have to go there with the intention of taking the game to Dublin. The Dubs are a Division 1A side, a top four or five team in Ireland over the last number of years. We haven't got to that level and that's where we want to be. We're striving to get there. This game is about putting the right foot forward and taking it on.

"It's going to be a big occasion for the supporters to have the footballers and the hurlers there. The hurlers haven't been there for a number of years, apart from the Walsh Cup at the start of this year. It's a game we've been looking forward to since last October and we’re gearing ourselves up to be at our best.”