Widnes 3/1 to win Cheshire derby

The Sky cameras are at the Select Security Stadium on Thursday Night as Widnes and Warrington kick-off the Easter feast of live Rugby League.

Injury hit Widnes welcome back Greg Burke and Stefan Marsh to the side that were badly beaten at Wakefield last week, whilst Westwood starts a four-match ban for Warrington.

These two may be locked together on three points at the bottom of Super League but sponsors Betfred give Widnes a 12-point start on the handicap for this as they go from one poor result to the next.

The Vikings do have a decent record against their local rivals but it’s hard to argue a case for them tonight against a Wolves side that finally got their first win of the season last week against high-flying Leeds.

They are 3/1 to pull off a shock win and have won this fixture at odds of double that in the past so you can’t rule them out completely but their recent form, the win at Leigh apart, is dire to say the least as the injuries mount up.

It’s hard to see where any improvement could come from against a Wire outfit that have had a win and a draw against two top four clubs over the last two weeks.

Tony Smith will have to make do without Westwood after his awful tackle last week, but they looked closer to the side that beat Brisbane against the Rhinos last week and they know they can’t afford many more slip ups if they’re to escape the middle 8’s.

Odds of 1/4 are very short for a Wolves side that have only won once this season but Widnes have lost three of their four home games by 12 points or more so they should justify them, I think they can win this by around 16-20 points in what could be a one-sided contest.

The return of Declan Patton last week made the Wolves look a lot more dangerous in attack and he should be key again tonight for Wire.

The 1/4 for Warrington can be boosted to 8/15 on the Half Time Full Time and there are plenty of alternative handicaps at Betfred. Widnes are 11/4 getting only a 4-point start on the handicap, I’d certainly favour this to the 3/1 for a home win.

Lineham and Russell head first try lists at around 13/2 but Atkins would be my pick at 17/2. It’s hard to see past 8/1 Corey Thompson for the hosts.

Don’t forget Betfred double your first try odds if your player goes on to score a second try. Anytime try bets last the whole 80 minutes, Chris Hill looks good value at 9/2 now he is free from injury.

Finally, the man of the match, it’s hard to look past market leader Patton at 13/2 after his performance last week and he is preferred to 8/1 Ratchford.

Joe Mellor could be key if the Vikings are to win and at 12/1 we just favour him over 14/1 Rhys Hanbury.

Look out for our betting review for the Good Friday clash between Wigan and Saints.

As always, please gamble responsibly.