The third and final match of the opening day of the Magic Weekend is probably the pick of the three on the first day as the Wigan Warriors take on the Warrington Wolves in what is a repeat of the 2016 Grand Final.
Both sides go into this match a lot lower down the league table than they would have expected to be at this stage of the season so while it might be a showpiece match it is a huge clash for both sides it must be said.
Wigan Warriors
It has been a tough time for Wigan recently with injuries and then England call ups really hurting them but there were signs of some stability starting to arrive with their win in the cup last week and now they have a big chance to make a bit of a statement ahead of the second half of the campaign. A win here would do that.
It doesn’t really matter who lines up for Wigan they are always tough to break down. It has only really been Castleford who have opened them up and they are opening everyone up this season so Wigan aren’t alone there. The injuries have hampered Wigan’s attacking play at times but they’ve no excuses on this pitch.
Warrington Wolves
The Warrington Wolves made a horrible start to the season but there have been shoots of a revival recently and they could climb out of the bottom four for the first time this season should they be victorious in this match. Although they have picked up recently they don’t win many matches convincingly it must be said.
That was the case in their win over Widnes Vikings last week in the cup. Although they won by 14pts in the end the match was much closer than that for large periods and Warrington will need an improvement on that in this one you would think. That said they have won six of their last seven so they’re in good form.
Team News
Wigan have Sean O’Loughlin back for this match and with George Williams back from injury too that is a large part of their spine back in place which is encouraging. Josh Woods was cup-tied last week but returns here.
Warrington coach Tony Smith has named Daryl Clark and Joe Westerman in his squad for this match but he will be without Ashton Sims who will be suspended. Andre Savelio has been added to the squad too.
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Betting
Wigan Warriors have had their injury problems and they are still without some big players heading into this match but they thrashed Warrington earlier in the season with a much weaker side than this and while the Wolves are playing better now than they were then they have to find a little bit for me.
I think this big pitch might well suit Wigan with their strength in the wider areas and the legs they have in the middle of the park. In truth this one could go either way and while Warrington can be considered favourites on paper I think this young Wigan side can beat them again.
In that meeting back at the Halliwell Jones earlier in the season Liam Marshall scored four tries and he certainly isn’t going to lack for room on this wide open St James’ Park pitch. At 13/8 he looks overpriced to score a try especially with the class of George Williams providing him with opportunities.
Tips
Back Wigan to beat Warrington for a 4/10 stake at 2.25 with Ladbrokes
Back them here:
WON – Back L.Marshall Anytime Tryscorer for a 3/10 stake at 2.63 with Skybet
Back him here:
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