The first spot in the Super League Grand Final will be filled on Thursday evening when the table toppers Wigan Warriors host Hull FC at the DW Stadium with the prize of a place in the big showdown at the KCOM Stadium next week on the line.
Wigan watched on last week as Hull FC overturned the Warrington Wolves against the odds and the Black and Whites will be crossing the Pennines looking to do something similar in what has all the hallmarks of being a cracking contest.
Where to watch
The match will be shown in full on the Sky Sports Main Event and the Sky Sports Mix channels with the build up to the semi-final beginning at 7.30pm and the match itself starting at 7.45pm.
Wigan Warriors
The Wigan Warriors were the best side in the regular season but with all the changes that happened at short notice and things there are an element of people who think that doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best team in the competition. They have the chance over the next eight days or so to prove that they are the pick of the bunch and that should give them all the motivation that they need to compete to a high level in this semi-final.
Whether Wigan prove to be the best team or not I think there is a strong case for them having the best defence in the competition and that provides them with an excellent platform to build from because in the likes of Bevan French and Jackson Hastings they have some of the best attacking options in the Super League as well. If it all comes together they can be very tough to stop but sometimes their attack can leave a little to be desired.
Hull FC
It was a quite brilliant performance from Hull FC last week against a Warrington side who are far too fragile in big matches at the minute it has to be said. That was something Hull clearly knew going into the game because they made sure they got on top early and never relinquished their advantage. Hull FC wouldn’t have been in the competition had the play-off format not been extended so there is an element of them playing with the house money at present.
If Hull FC are going to make it to what would be their own party of sorts with the Grand Final being staged at their home ground, they are going to have to defend well here but they will need to be ruthless in attack. Opportunities to score against this Wigan defence don’t come along very often so when they are presented with chances they are going to have to maximise each one. If they can do that they have enough game changers to give themselves a real chance here.
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Team News
Wigan Warriors captain Sean O’Loughlin could play his final match at the DW Stadium after he has been named in the squad for the game. He is retiring at the end of the season so this is his last chance to feature on home turf before then.
Hull FC have not changed too much. The only change in their squad sees Jack Brown coming in for Josh Jones but the reality of it is that Andy Last is widely expected to name an unchanged 17 which means Jake Connor will remain at full-back.
Betting
I think we are set up for a compelling opening semi-final here. Hull FC have had their issues with Covid-19 after the restart but everything looks to be much more settled on that front and they look set to take the game to the Wigan Warriors which should make for a great contest. Both teams are highly motivated here. Hull FC want to attend what is now their own party and Wigan Warriors want the title back so this is a fascinating game.
I think that will lead to a competitive match here. Ultimately I sense a little extra freshness, defensive mite and experience will win this for the Wigan Warriors but I do not expect a landslide win by any stretch of the imagination here. I expect a hard-fought knockout match and a bit of an arm wrestle so the way I am happy to play this match is by backing Wigan Warriors to win the match by a 1-12 point margin.
Tips
Back Wigan Warriors to win by 1-12pts for a 3/10 stake at 2.88 with William Hill
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