The Super League weekend concludes in France on Saturday afternoon when the Catalans Dragons take on the Leeds Rhinos in a match which could tell us plenty about the home side and their aspirations for the rest of the campaign.
They go into the match with just the Widnes Vikings below them in the table but should they win they will attach themselves to the group chasing the top eight. Leeds could do with a win to stay with the pack in the race for the top four.
Catalans Dragons
It has taken them a good while but the Catalans Dragons are finally picking up some positive results this term. I think they would admit that the Challenge Cup came along at a good time for them. They have had a favourable draw in that and handed out a couple of beatings which they have taken confidence from and used in their Super League outings.
We saw last week that they have the ability to weather storms now and then turn around the situation of a match to their advantage and that is what the good teams do. They had a good win over Salford at the Magic Weekend and now the task will be to back that up here in front of their own fans. A repeat of last week could be enough here.
Leeds Rhinos
It has all been a bit of a struggle for the Leeds Rhinos this season. They have been decimated by injuries at certain times and I’m far from convinced that the trip to Australia to take a beating in the World Club Challenge did them any good either so the champions really need to show their mettle in the coming weeks.
There were plenty of worrying signs for the Rhinos last week when Castleford Tigers opened them up at will and in truth the body language of the champions at Magic Weekend left a lot to be desired and they could really do with a strong performance I feel. They also need a win having seen a couple of their rivals for the top four pull away from them this weekend.
Team News
Catalans Dragons have added Mickael Goudemand to their squad in place of the injured Jason Baitieri as they go in search of a second successive victory. That is the only change for Steve McNamara.
Leeds are now without Kallum Watkins for the remainder of the season so they have recalled Jimmy Keinhorst from his loan at Widnes. Jordan Lilley and Jack Ormondroyd have also been recalled and included in this one. Joel Moon, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Liam Sutcliffe, Brad Singleton and Mitch Garbutt are all out injured while Anthony Mullally is suspended.
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Betting
I think it is hard to ignore the injury crisis that the Leeds Rhinos are currently experiencing and as a result the obvious thought is for the Catalans Dragons to win this match. To be fair to the French outfit they are starting to find their feet and gain more and more confidence and it wouldn’t be a complete surprise to see them enjoy a good second half to the campaign.
It is never easy for away sides to win in France even when they are at full strength so I’m expecting the champions to find this tough going and with that in mind the Dragons have to be the selection at a shade under even money.
Tips
Back Catalans Dragons to beat Leeds Rhinos for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with William Hill
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