Warrington Wolves vs Salford Red Devils: Team news, match preview and score prediction

In one of four derbies scheduled for Thursday night, the struggling Warrington Wolves will look to use the derby to turn their season around at Salford’s expense.

The Red Devils go into the game level on points with their rivals Warrington knowing a win would not only see them leapfrog the Wire in the table but could even see them move into the top six depending on other results.

So, a massive game both in terms of local pride and the league table, it could be one of the most enjoyable fixtures of the round.

Team News:

Warrington will be without both George Williams and Oliver Holmes due to minor injuries. However, Stefan Ratchford is back in the fold as is Matty Ashton after a calf complaint.

Salford have Jack Wells and Danny Addy back in the contention after loan spells whilst the injury blow to Dan Sarginson means it could be a while until we see him play again. Joe Burgess could return from a knee injury.

Match Preview – Key Battles:

Josh Charnley vs Ken Sio: Unlikely to battle directly both being right wingers, the pair are very capable of influencing the game from out wide such is their try scoring abilities. The winger who takes their chances when they come may help their side pick up the win.

Gareth Widdop vs Brodie Croft: With no George Williams, there will be extra pressure on Gareth Widdop especially as he comes up against another top notch former NRL halfback in Brodie Croft who alongside Marc Sneyd has at times been formidable this season.

Joe Philbin vs Sitaleki Akauola: For the first time since leaving Warrington, Sitaleki Akauola is set to take on Warrington. Often used as a super sub as is former teammate Joe Philbin, the prop who comes on and makes the bigger impact could be central to swaying the game their team’s direction.

Where the game will be won and lost:

Salford have shown that they can be a patient and well structured side. Against Leeds it was a late rally that undid the Rhinos and against Wakefield the Red Devils very nearly snatched victory with a superb comeback. That means Warrington will have to be on top of them from the word go. Any lapses in concentration from the Wolves could be punished severely by the Devils.

Score Prediction: Warrington Wolves 26-24 Salford Red Devils