All eyes are slowly starting to turn to the second section of the Super League season but there are a few rounds before we get there so there is still time for those outside the top eight to sneak in and for those already in to push on further.
Widnes Vikings are one of those on the precipice so they could do with the win when they host the Wigan Warriors to get the latest round of action underway on Thursday night.
Widnes Vikings
Widnes flew out of the traps this year as we all know but have really stumbled since then although you wouldn’t have known it if you had been away for a few weeks and only returned last week as it was the Widnes of earlier in the season that showed up and walloped Castleford.
The scoreline ended up looking tight in that match but there was nothing tight about it. Widnes controlled the match from start to finish and if they can repeat that here then they are going to cause plenty of problems for Wigan, just like they did earlier in the season when they won at the DW Stadium.
Wigan Warriors
Wigan head to Widnes on a good run at the minute. They have won their last four matches although the last two have been real battles and they’ve been made to work but I always think it is the sign of a good side in any sport if you can win when not being at your best.
Wigan have been in the headlines for reasons off the field this week but it has to be to their credit that they have remained unbeaten in that time but with them being in front of the cameras this week and under more focus I’m sure they would love a good performance and a convincing victory.
Team News
Brad Walker and Ed Chamberlain come into the Widnes squad for this match but perhaps more importantly the half back pairing of Joe Mellor and Kevin Brown are back in tandem and that is big for Widnes.
It is now well known that Wigan are going to be without John Bateman for a few weeks and they have decided to rest Sam Tomkins for this match too. Oliver Gildart comes back into the squad in place of Tomkins.
Betting
I’ll be interested to see how Widnes get on in this match. They looked to have their mojo back last week and if they can maintain that level for this week then they are going to take some stopping.
I give full credit to Wigan for the run of form they have been on while everything else has been going on but you can’t say they’ve been convincing and I’ve a feeling it is all going to catch up with them soon and it might well be here.
We know Widnes can beat Wigan because they have already done it this season and so they won’t lack for belief but with the confidence of last week bringing the swagger back into the game they should run really hot here. At the prices they are worth a punt in this one.
Tips
Back Widnes to beat Wigan for a 3/10 stake at 2.63 with Skybet
Back them here:
