Another round of Super League matches begin on Thursday evening and they do so with a massive clash in the race for the semi-finals spots when Wakefield Trinity host St Helens. Wakefield currently occupy the last spot in the play-offs but St Helens will move to within a point of them with a win here.
Wakefield Trinity
You have to give all the credit in the world to a Wakefield Trinity side who have got themselves into a promising position in the Super League table for a second season in a row. Last year they faltered when it came to the second half of the campaign but this year they have kicked on again and if they make the top four they will deserve it.
When you think of the restraints that Wakefield have when compared to some of the so called bigger clubs in the competition their season is really put into perspective. Despite their size they play a good brand of rugby where they attack their opponents at every opportunity and try to resist wherever possible.
St Helens
We are not accustomed to being three matches from the end of the season and seeing St Helens outside the top four. They are under big pressure to win their final three matches and see if that is good enough for a play-off spot but defeat last week, a third in a row, has left them swimming against the tide.
One of the reasons for their struggles this term has been their away form which if we were being kind we would call it indifferent. If we didn’t want to be so nice it could be described as awful but with two of their last three on the road it is something that will need to change if they are to make the semis.
Team News
It comes as no surprise that Chris Chester has made no changes to his Wakefield squad from the one which thrashed Salford last week. They ran up 40+ points in that match and are set to go with the same side again.
St Helens have brought Danny Richardson back into their ranks to give them more options in the halves. He comes in for Kyle Amor who has been left out completely against his former club.
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Betting
I’m surprised St Helens are still heavy odds on away from home to a side above them. I’ve tried to give them the benefit of the doubt away this season but they keep on failing and often it is their own fault too as was the case at Leeds a couple of weeks ago.
Whichever way you paint it St Helens go into this one off the back of three defeats in a row whereas Wakefield Trinity are in decent touch with two huge wins in their last three and we can forgive them the defeat in between on a night when Castleford won the leaders shield. I fancy we’ll see a high scoring contest here but one which Wakefield are value to triumph in.
Tips
Back Wakefield Trinity to beat St Helens for a 4/10 stake at 2.75 with Ladbrokes
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