The Super League weekend kicks off with something of a local derby on Friday night when Widnes entertain St Helens in a big match for both sides. It hasn’t been the best of starts to the season for either of these teams who both will be after a win which offers them some respite.
Widnes Vikings
With just one win to their name all season and a deficit between themselves and the rest of the table to make up Widnes really need to get winning and do it fast. They haven’t been helped by injuries this season but they were expected to struggle heading into the campaign and that is exactly what they have done.
Scoring points has been a real issue for the Vikings this season and if they are to avoid the middle 8s then they are going to have to work out a combination which unlocks defences and allows them to put pressure of opposition sides. At the minute they are doing far too much defending and ultimately they cave in.
St Helens
With just four wins so far this hasn’t been a successful opening to the season for St Helens either. That is a record which has already cost Kieron Cunningham his job but there were signs an improvement is around the corner when they took care of the league leaders Castleford on Easter Monday.
St Helens have looked to be a little more expansive since they changed their coach and that is good to see because that is their DNA and a side should never veer away from that. Saints have always had a pack to compete but their explosive players weren’t seeing enough of the ball. That has changed and their form should improve.
Team News
Widnes have some key players back for this match with Joe Mellor’s return expected to be a very significant one. Alex Gerrard is back too to offer some much needed oomph up the middle.
St Helens will have Kyle Amor available after he escaped a ban for his sending off against Wigan. Louis McCarthy-Scarsbrook returns for this one too.
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Betting
St Helens are hefty favourites to win this match and while I don’t think anyone can argue with that the fact that three of their four wins this season have been by four points or less suggests they can’t be trusted at such a short price.
One way of playing the Saints though is to back then to win by 1-12pts. Saints don’t always convince on the road but they should get the job done here and given this one is all about winning and with legs still heavy after the absorbing Easter period I’ll take them to win narrowly.
Tips
Back St Helens to win by 1-12pts for a 3/10 stake at 3.25 with William Hill
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