There are few games as big as Warrington vs Wigan and the fixture takes centre stage again this week.
A repeat of the 2013, 2016 and 2018 Grand Finals this too is a big game as Wigan look to go blow for blow with St Helens at the top of the table whilst Warrington look to maintain their recent upturn in form with some big games against the sides at the top of the table on the horizon.
But which side will get the all important two points?
Team News
Warrington have named an unchanged 21-man squad for Friday’s game. The big question mark hangs over whether George Williams will make his return to the side against his former club.
Wigan have no new injury concerns nor do they lose anyone through suspension. They are still without Sam Powell through a ban and Thomas Leuluai and Kai Pearce-Paul due to injury.
Match Preview – Key Battles
Matty Ashton vs Bevan French: This will be like a formula one race. Two wingers very capable of playing at fullback with pace to burn will meet on Warrington’s left edge and it could be a try fest. I hope we see them in top gear flying down the wing. It could be a sight to behold.
Daryl Clark vs Brad O’Neill: Brad O’Neill did a good job of filling in at nine following Sam Powell’s suspension against Salford but this will be a massive test of the young man as he takes on the lively and strong Daryl Clark.
Ben Currie vs John Bateman: Ben Currie and John Bateman are two of the best backrows in the league and a meeting between the two will no doubt produce fireworks. Not only are the two fiercely competitive, but they’re also attacking weapons and will be a danger the other side has to monitor.
Where the game will be won and lost:
Warrington’s attack has struggled to click this season whilst Wigan’s certainly hasn’t. So, this game could well be decided by whether the Wolves attack can match that of their Cherry and White counterparts. If they can, defence against the always dangerous Jai Field will be essential to downing the Warriors.
Score Prediction: Warrington Wolves 12-24 Wigan Warriors