There is one match to round off the fourth week of the Super League and it comes from the Select Security Stadium as the Widnes Vikings host the champions Leeds Rhinos in what is a key game for both sides.
Widnes go into the contest off the back of successive defeats while the Rhinos will be smarting from being taken to the cleaners in the World Club Challenge last weekend.
Widnes Vikings
We have seen Widnes run Castleford Tigers and the Warrington Wolves close in their last two matches but other than plaudits and moral victories they have nothing substantial to show for it which will disappoint them. They really haven’t been far away in either match so there are positives to take even in defeat.
The Vikings have kept both of those opponents to less than 20pts which shows that their defence is stronger this season, or is performing that way at least, what they now need to do is find a way to cut sides open without losing any of that defensive stability. If they can do that they will begin to surprise a few sides.
Leeds Rhinos
The Leeds Rhinos go into this match with a 100% record in the Super League but their pride will have been dented badly last week with the absolute beating they were given by the Melbourne Storm down under. To be fair the NRL are just a country mile clear of Super League at the minute so Leeds shouldn’t be too ashamed of their defeat.
Before they went to the World Club Challenge, the Rhinos overcame the challenges of the Warrington Wolves and Hull KR and if they can pick up a third successive win here they will be in a good position to push on and look at retaining their title. It remains to be seen how they have recovered from the long flight.
Team News
Widnes Vikings will be forced into a change with Chris Houston suspended after his collision with the referee last week. Ted Chapelhow and Wellington Albert are among those returning to the squad for the game.
Leeds Rhinos saw more players join their injury list last week which means recalls to the squad for Ashton Golding, Ash Handley, Mitch Garbutt and Josh Walters but by and large, Jack Walker aside, their back line remains intact.
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Betting
We have seen the two sides who were in Australia last week who have played already this week really struggle but in a strange twist the Leeds injuries could be a good thing for them. It isn’t like they are bringing debutants in or anything like that.
Leeds Rhinos have been back long enough now that jet lag should only be a minor problem, if indeed it is a problem at all. I expect the champions to be eager to put last week behind them and prove their worth and I fancy they will win this. Leeds’ defence is very good by Super League standards and with Widnes struggling for points I’m expecting the Rhinos to win and cover four points.
Tips
Back Leeds Rhinos (-4) to beat Widnes Vikings for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with 888sport
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