Two of the top three in Super League meet to kick off the latest round of fixtures on Thursday night as Warrington take on Wigan in what has the potential to be an absolute classic.
Both sides have nine wins from 12 this season with Warrington going into the match above their opponents by virtue of having a better points difference. Whoever wins this one will leave Warrington 2pts clear at the top and eyeing up the Leaders Shield.
Warrington Wolves
Warrington’s form had been patchy in recent times but they managed to get back to winning ways last week when they tore Widnes apart with a devastating first half and they will be looking to build on that here.
Prior to that they had lost back to back matches to St Helens and Huddersfield which wasn’t ideal but they looked to regain their mojo last week and they head into this one knowing that they have already won at Wigan this season, something not many sides do.
Wigan Warriors
Wigan made it back to back wins when they edged out Huddersfield last week but that crazy result against Wakefield a few weeks ago still has a shadow over the side so they will be looking to put in a dominating performance here to wipe the memories of that awful afternoon.
All season long Wigan have struggled in attack and with injuries begin to bite them really hard again you just wonder if they will have enough about them to contain a powerful Warrington side. One thing we do know is they won’t lack for motivation after that defeat in the reverse fixture.
Team news
Warrington have brought Tom Lineham back into the side for this match and that gives them a stronger feel for me but Chris Sandow remains out and he’ll still be a big loss despite Kurt Gidley and Stefan Ratchford combining so well last week.
Wigan have George Williams back in the halves for this match but they remain without their captain and influential leader Sean O’Loughlin and they’re never quite the same side without him. Liam Farrell, Sam Tomkins, Joel Tomkins and Dom Manfredi all miss this match too which doesn’t help.
Betting
I’m always reluctant to take on this Wigan outfit but I backed Warrington to win at Wigan and they did and I’m not going to desert them now. Chris Sandow was fantastic that night so it is a blow that he is unavailable here but Stefan Ratchford is beginning to come to the fore now.
Wigan’s injuries to talisman men for them is becoming more than a concern now and I wonder if they will be able to contain this powerful, mobile Warrington pack for the entire 80 minutes. They will need to because Warrington’s back line can steam roll any side with the right field position.
Warrington haven’t been completely convincing in recent weeks but Sandow aside they look to be close to full strength unlike Wigan and that freshness and strength particularly up the middle can see Warrington run out winners here.
Tips
WON – Back Warrington (-2) to beat Wigan for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Bwin
Back them here:
