Wire short priced favourites to beat Wakefield

There is live Rugby League this afternoon as Warrington host Wakefield at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Wire are recovering from a nightmare start to the season as they are now unbeaten in 4 games, whilst Trinity lost both their games over Easter after a spell of 4 wins from 5 games.

Tony Smith is boosted by the return of Brown, Westerman, Atkins and Russell to his Wolves squad but Clark is suspended, Williams comes back in for Chris Chester’s side.

Super League sponsors Betfred give Wakefield a 10-point start on the handicap for this and whilst there seems be a bit of confidence in the camp, I’m not so sure. Trinity have lost badly to Leeds and Castleford on their last 2 road trips and after a tough Easter, I fear this could make it third time unlucky.

Usually as the sun comes out and the ground gets firmer Warrington start to find their best form and that could be the case now. The Easter period always seems to favour the sides with bigger squads, who can rest players, and we could see that on this afternoon.

Wakefield have had 2 very tough games over Easter and Wire look to welcome back some key players who have had a break. Trinity have had some real beatings at Warrington over recent years, and whilst this maybe not on that scale, I think the hosts can get home by around 16-20 points.

It’s 12/5 for an away win but this would be a real surprise for me given Wakefield’s last 2 performances on the road,  but I’m sure this won’t put off the confident band of fans as they make their way over the Pennines.

Wire are very short at 1/3 to win the game, this can be boosted to 8/13 on the Half Time Full Time, but I think they can justify those odds with the win that’ll take them to within one points of today’s opponents.

Lineham heads the first try lists at 15/2, followed by Russell at around 10/1. I’d maybe just prefer Russell but Atkins always gives good value at around 12/1.

Wakefield winger Jones-Bishop scored a great try against Wigan and I just prefer him at 12/1 over 10/1 Johnstone in Trinity colours.

Finally the man of the match. Ratchford got it last week as Wire won at Widnes and you certainly can’t rule him out again at 12/1, but I’d prefer key half Declan Patton at 7/1. Brown is the market leader at 11/2.

Finn and Miller are the shortest price Wakefield players at 14/1 but I’d look more to the returning Williams at 16/1; so it’s Patton and Williams for me.

Thursday Rugby is back next week. As always, please gamble responsibly.