Carlow won the previous fixture with relative ease.
A different variety of plays could be crucial for Offaly against Carlow according to Shinrone manager Trevor Fletcher.
A win for either side will guarantee them a place in next years Leinster Senior Hurling Championship.
Johnny Kelly's side are just 70 minutes away from winning a first ever Joe McDonagh Championship when run out at Croke Park on Saturday.
Fletcher has been particularly impressed with Offaly's use of the ball during this years campaign:
Our coverage of the Joe McDonagh Cup Final is with thanks to the HSE’s public minor injury unit located at the Charter Medical Campus, Ballinderry Mullingar with rapid assessment, treatment and discharge. For more see cmph.ie
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