The latest round of Super League begins with the leaders Widnes Vikings on our screens for the first time this season when they host Hull FC in what promises to be an entertaining start to the weekend.
Widnes have really flown out of the blocks so far this season with four wins from their five matches. Their defeat came at Salford a couple of weeks ago which would have annoyed them but already they have convincing wins over Leeds and Huddersfield on their record this campaign and that can only be good for confidence.
Hull FC have been up and down this year although in fairness they’ve had a trickier set of fixtures to Widnes. Hull have already been to France and thrashed Catalans and they have faced Castleford and Wigan at home in their last two matches. They were beaten in both games but they put up encouraging performances which will bode well for them.
Denis Betts has made three changes to his squad for this game with Patrick Ah Van, Chris Bridge and Alex Gerrard coming into the fold. That makes them look very strong heading into this battle which must be concerning for Hull FC.
Hull FC will be without Leon Pryce for this match which is far from ideal. He has started the season in excellent form. Jordan Abdull could make a first appearance of the season in place of Pryce. Frank Pritchard will travel with the squad and his presence could be important.
Hull FC were touted for big things after winning their opening two games and while that might have been people getting a little bit carried away we shouldn’t make the mistake of writing them off after a couple of defeats, especially given that they played pretty well in those matches.
That said Widnes are on a real high at the minute and love playing at the Stobart with the 3g pitch which suits their free flowing, fast style that often overwhelms the opposition so I’m not sure I want to pick a winner. If I did I’d marginally side with Widnes I think.
The best bet in this match though could well come in the form of the total points where a 48.5 line looks nice. Hull FC have put up at least 24pts in all four of their games this season but they’ve shipped 20 or more in three of them. Widnes have put up 30 or more in three of their five matches but four struggling sides have all scored double figures against them.
Given the way both these sides play in that they like to give the ball a bit of air and play with a pace and an intensity I like over 48.5pts in this one.
WON – Back Over 48.5pts for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Bet365
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