The latest round of the Super League begins as ever on Thursday night with a battle between Salford and Warrington, two sides who are setting a decent early pace in the league table.
Salford have already won a couple of matches this season and are unbeaten at the AJ Bell Stadium in this campaign. They will be looking to maintain that record against a Warrington side who have won all three matches thus far this year. Something has to give in this one.
Salford have lost at Hull FC and Wigan this season but they put up a spirited effort at the DW Stadium last week and will have left there with added confidence even if they didn’t have any points to show for their efforts but they have thrashed St Helens and seen off Widnes at home and that gives them plenty to build on.
Despite winning last week Ian Watson has made one change to his squad for this match with Adam Walne coming in for Olsi Krasniqi to give the Red Devils a bit more pep in the forward pack. That pep combined with a solid half back pairing and a pretty strong back line makes Salford dangerous here.
Warrington have really started the year strong with their half back pair of Chris Sandow and Kurt Gidley mesmerising opponents and their fast, mobile forwards getting the advantage on those they face. Wins over Leeds, Hull KR and Wakefield represent an excellent platform to launch from.
Unfortunately for the Wolves that half back combination will be split up here as Kurt Gidley isn’t in the squad. Stefan Ratchford replaces him and he’s no mug. Daryl Clark is another who sits out here so Brad Dwyer could see plenty of game time in this one. Mitchell Dodds replaces Clark in the 19.
I think we’re all set for a decent match here and it should be played in front of a pretty strong crowd as the Red Devils have been pushing ticket sales on Twitter this week. Whenever confident sides meet we usually get a good game and we certainly have that here.
We’ve seen enough from Salford in the last three weeks to suggest they can run Warrington close here especially with Kurt Gidley’s leadership, quality and kicking game absent for the Wolves in this one. Robert Lui and Michael Dobson are going well for the Red Devils and they might be the difference here.
Warrington probably edge it on the forwards but there isn’t a lot between the two back lines so I’ve got this one down as a close match and one which Salford can stay within eight points and probably a bit closer if not actually get their noses in front. I like them to ride the handicap here.
WON – Back Salford (+8) to beat Warrington for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Betfair
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