
Salford Red Devils have defied all expectations this season. Despite being widely expected to struggle, they remain in Super League’s top six, two points ahead of nearest rivals, Leeds Rhinos. Salford host the London Broncos, who sit bottom of the Super League table, this weekend in a game they are expected to win.
However, Salford did not have an easy ride in the first fixture between the two sides this season. Salford won a tight game at the Cherry Red Records Stadium 12-4. But a red card to Salford man, King Vuniyayawa, meant the game was a lot closer than expected.
The two sides meet again this weekend at the Salford Community Stadium. The Red Devils have suffered a blow before the game, as two key players have been ruled out with injury.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Salford players?
Salford Red Devils missing key players for London clash

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A Salford statement announcing their squad confirmed that full-back and vice-captain, Ryan Brierley, will miss the game against London, having picked up a knock. The injury is not thought to be serious. Hooker, Amir Bourouh, will also miss the match as he continues to recover from injury.
Nathan Connell comes into the side having impressed at full-back in the Salford reserve side. Harvey Wilson, who recently joined the club from the Wigan Warriors, is also in line to make his debut for the Red Devils.
London have named a very similar squad to their game last weekend, with just one change from the side which suffered a heavy defeat against Hull KR last weekend. James Meadows returns to the London squad after missing the KR game, with Ethan Natoli missing through injury.
London will be hoping to replicate their second-half performance against the Robins, rather than their first. They were 46-0 down at half-time, before salvaging some pride with three second-half tries.
Eccles hoping for improved performance

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Speaking to the club’s website ahead of the game, London boss, Mike Eccles, is hoping the side can push Salford close again, after a tense encounter in the return fixture. Eccles said:
“I think it was a reasonable performance (vs Salford last in Round 8), I think they always had us at arm’s length, they were good and when they went down to 12, they were even better.
“They’re a tough and gritty team when the chips are down. They maximise what they have- they know their strength’s and their weaknesses and their togetherness as a group is quite showing.
“The style of Rugby that they play is very entertaining. If I was at home watching a game, they’re a team that I enjoy watching probably more than anybody. Very well coached and very well put together.”
London captain, Will Lovell, hopes the Broncos can produce a good style of Rugby, not that tje weather is starting to improve.
“The standard of Super League has gotten better every year. It is a fantastic competition and one that we want to be involved with for as long as possible so we will do our upmost to be in there.
”Earlier on in the year it is a different style of rugby being played. Now, with the sun shining a little bit more you’d hope it’ll bit more expansive. We will see, we will take a lot from our last performance against them so if we put out best foot forward on Sunday then we can really trouble them.”
