For the second week in a row, Warrington take on Wakefield this time in the Challenge Cup.
Last week, Wakefield handed Warrington a third consecutive defeat as Daryl Powell’s tenure at the club continues to stall despite the potential both he and the squad possess. A cup game and the chance to continue the Wolves’ recent success in the competition could be a vital boost.
As for Wakefield, they come into the contest full of confidence having picked up back to back wins. Perhaps that momentum will propel them to the quarter-finals.
Team News:
The Wolves welcome back Daryl Clark and Billy Magoulias to the 21-man squad. Josh Charnley is back from suspension in a huge boost for the Wolves. However, the Wolves have lost Stefan Ratchford who is set to be out for a month with a shoulder injury.
As for Wakefield, they’ve lost star man Tom Johnstone to concussion. Sadiq Adebiyi is drafted in but there’s no place in the 21-man squad for Morgan Escare perhaps due to the situation surrounding his loan from Salford. Max Jowitt is set to return.
Match Preview – Key Battles:
Toby King vs Reece Lyne: Two England centres who have already been in Shaun Wane’s thinking ahead of the World Cup will look to give their hopes of featuring in the autumn a boost with a solid showing here. Both powerful and quick, the pair will test each other as they look to get the better or their opposite number in those key moments.
Gareth Widdop vs Jacob Miller: Last week, on his return, Jacob Miller got the better of Gareth Widdop with a creative performance that picked the Wolves apart. He will be hoping to replicate that this week whilst Gareth Widdop will be hoping to show his best especially because defeat in this game would spell the end for Warrington’s chances in this competition.
Mike Cooper vs David Fifita: Last season, Mike Cooper showed his quality at prop for Warrington. His strength in the middle of the field ties everything together for the Wolves. He’ll have to nullify David Fifita tomorrow if the Wolves are to make it into the last eight but it’ll be easier said than done against a prop who is always a danger such is his explosivity.
Where the game will be won and lost:
Last week Wakefield were able to soak up the Warrington pressure and hit the Wolves with sublime pieces of attack when the opportunities presented themselves. Wakefield were very good to watch for spells in the Wolves’ 20 metres and a similar performance today could see Trinity into the next round. However, if Warrington can turn pressure into points this week, things could be different.
Score Prediction:Â Warrington Wolves 28-22 Wakefield Trinity
