The second and final Super League match of the weekend is a real old fashioned derby as the Widnes Vikings host the Warrington Wolves in what is already looking like being an important match for both clubs.
Widnes Vikings have begun the season well unlike their opponents who have lost their opening two matches and must be fearing that this campaign could turn into the nightmare of the last one. They will be desperate to avoid that.
Widnes Vikings
After a real struggle last year the Widnes Vikings should be very pleased with their start to the season. You can pick one or two holes in their form but even so a win and a narrow defeat bodes well for them. The query would be how big the win was given that Catalans Dragons are yet to pick up a point and have looked awful but you can only beat what is in front of you. The way they pushed Castleford last week was encouraging.
While losing is never good it is easier to take when there are positives that come from it and there were. Castleford are a free scoring side so even in tricky conditions to keep them to just 13pts is very encouraging. If they can continue to be resolute defensively then over the course of the 80 minutes you would think they will have points in them.
Warrington Wolves
A change of coach was meant to bring about a change in fortunes for the Warrington Wolves but as yet that has not transpired as they have lost their opening two matches and in truth although the scorelines haven’t suggested it they have rarely been in the battle in either game. That will definitely be a concern ahead of this one.
Just like last season the issue for Warrington has been in attacking areas where they are just not putting up the required points to win matches. That inevitably puts pressure on their defence and they have not come up with the goods in that area of the game either so this could be a statement match in terms of where their season goes even this early in the piece.
Team News
Widnes have made three changes to their squad for this contest with Brad Walker, Danny Craven and MacGraff Leuluai coming in for Lloyd White, Charly Runciman and Wellington Albert.
Tyrone Roberts will once again miss out for the Warrington Wolves with a knee issue which is a blow but Dom Crosby could make his first appearance of the campaign. Harvey Livett is back in the squad too.
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Betting
Warrington Wolves have a convincing record in this particular fixture but there hasn’t been much that has convinced about them so far this season so this could be the night that the Widnes Vikings turn things around in their favour.
This has the feel of being a much bigger match for the Warrington Wolves than it is the Widnes Vikings even though the Vikings are at home. I fancy the Vikings will be able to play with a little more freedom in this match and with a positive mindset which they should be carrying I’ll go with them as a value punt.
Tips
Back Widnes Vikings to beat Warrington Wolves for a 3/10 stake at 2.50 with Betfred
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