Third meets first in the Super League on Thursday night as the build up to the huge Easter period really begins. Wigan in third host the leaders Widnes in a match which has the potential to be a cracker to get the latest round of matches underway.
Wigan are still unbeaten in the Super League and finally they picked up a convincing win when they took the Leeds Rhinos to the cleaners last week. It has to be said that was a depleted Rhinos side but the ruthlessness that Wigan displayed not to mention some quality at times is very good for them going forward.
George Williams pulled out of the squad late on last week. That’s not the first time he has done that this season but he has been named in an unchanged squad here so all things being equal he is set to come back into the side.
Widnes have been a joy to watch this season and the way they attacked and tore a pretty solid looking Hull side apart in front of the cameras last week told us they could be the real deal this season. They can head to Wigan with nothing to lose but so much to gain, particularly belief that their lofty position in the table is no fluke.
Denis Betts is starting to become Super League’s tinkerman as he keeps on making the odd change to his squad to keep his big players as fresh as he possibly can. It is the turn of Patrick Ah Van and Chris Bridge to take a blow here although the latter could be injured. Tom Gilmore and Setaimata Sa replace them in the 19.
This is one of those intriguing sporting clashes between a good attack and a good defence. Often you would say the defence will win those match ups nine times out of 10 and Wigan might well win this game too but they’ll be relying on that defence because going forward they’ve looked quite average at times and very predictable.
You can’t use those words about the Widnes attack. They attack with pace, power, in large numbers and in a dynamic way which nobody they’ve faced has had an answer for so far. They will find it harder to break down this Wigan defence but I wouldn’t bet against them doing it.
You have to respect Wigan’s home form and it might be that which sees them over the line here but I don’t see this one being a blowout like last week was. If Wigan do win they will revert back to the tight nature of their early season wins.
Widnes get 12pts in this match which is a great starting platform and one which I’m happy to ride out. If they lose I don’t see it by being as many as that. I think there will be a score in this either way.
Bets
WON – Back Widnes (+12) to beat Wigan for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Bwin
Back them here:
