Fierce rivals St Helens and Wigan go head-to-head on Saturday for a place in the Super League Grand Final.
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Saints have already caused an upset by beating the Warriors on their home turf earlier in the play-offs and will this time have home advantage. But with Saints having Widnes’ ground as a home venue, will that work against them (St Helens 11/10, draw 18/1, Wigan 8/11 – 80 Minute Betting)?
Having secured the Challenge Cup in late August, Wigan’s form has been patchy and they have lost to their two closest rivals in the last month – Saints and Warrington. Having won the title though last year, the experience is there to turn things around and reach Old Trafford (Wigan 3/1 – Grand Final Winners).
Although unpopular with many opposing fans, few would argue that Sam Tomkins is the best player in Super League at the moment – his unpredictability a threat for any side which could tip this game in Wigan’s favour.
Michael Maguire has also been boosted by the news that centre Joel Tomkins (16/1 – Last Tryscorer) is fit enough to be named in their 19-man squad for what will be the sixth meeting of the two teams this season.
Despite losing 18-26 at the DW Stadium earlier this month, Wigan have won three of the other games with a 16-16 draw in the opening match of the season at the Millennium Stadium.
Wigan will have particularly happy memories of the meeting at the Stobbart Stadium, Saturday’s venue, in June. That night Wigan ran in five tries and claimed a 10-32 victory and although Saints are a more confident side now, that will instil more belief into the visitors.
St Helens will point to their more recent win when they upset the odds to head straight to the semi-finals. Paul Wellens (14/1 – First Tryscorer) crossed the whitewash twice that night and his experience will be a vital factor if Saints are to reach Old Trafford.
But Wigan will point to the fact that they were 0-14 down in half an hour and finished the stronger of the two teams, to just fall short in the closing stages.
If this game is tight towards the end, expect the Warriors to edge it, as they have so often late on in games this season.
It should be a classic between two quality sides but Maguire, who leaves Wigan at the end of the season, will want to go out on a high note and a Grand Final appearance would be the perfect way to say goodbye.
