Toulouse Olympique vs Wakefield Trinity: Team news, match preview and score prediction

Two clubs desperate for a win, new boys Toulouse Olympique host Wakefield Trinity.

The French side, with only one win to their name, are facing the prospect of an immediate return to the Betfred Championship, a fate suffered by many before them.

Wakefield though are on four straight defeats and another would well and truly put them in danger of relegation.

Team News

Toulouse are without quartet Guy Armitage, Joseph Paulo, Dominique Peyroux and Joe Bretherton for the fixture, but welcome back Mitch Garbutt plus new signing Daniel Alvaro.

Wakefield have Liam Hood back from injury and Rob Butler is named in the squad for the fixture.

Match Preview – Key Battles

Olly Ashall-Bott vs Max Jowitt: Two exciting players who ‘chime’ into the line when needed. Ashall-Bott has found a new lease of life in France and has utilised his speed to good measure. Jowitt though has been a ‘rock at the back’ for Wakefield and is arguably their most consistent player so this head-to-head will be easy on the eye.

Tony Gigot vs Mason Lino: Since Lino returned, Wakefield have looked more of a threat in attack. Gigot will hope to get one over his former club but Lino can be unpredictable when he wants which makes this battle all the more interesting.

Justin Sangare vs David Fifita: Up front and arguably where the platform will be laid down. Sangare is quite a handful and this is something the French side will rely on. Fifita has had injury problems this season but if he can find his top form once more then life for the home side will remain difficult.

Where the game will be won and lost

Toulouse have looked like a tough team on home soil this season and have been rather unlucky not to have more than one win to their name. With Alvaro in the side, this provides them with more experience and options plus they have several ‘pivots’ to choose from as well. Wakefield are still missing key players and though they have been plucky at times this season, their form recently may hinder them somewhat and they could come unstuck, but it should be a close call.

Score Prediction: Toulouse Olympique 24-22 Wakefield Trinity