Wigan v Salford: Predicted line-ups and late injury news

Wigan will look to continue their impressive form as the host Salford tonight. The Red Devils haven’t played since their defeat to Leeds owing to a Covid-19 outbreak in their squad making the task of going to Wigan is now even more difficult. However, they’ll more than put up a fight and could cause the Cherry and Whites some real problems.

It’s a very different looking Wigan squad this week with key forwards Ollie Partington and Brad Singleton suspended, skipper Thomas Leuluai injured and Liam Farrell rested. However, the Warriors also welcome back Zak Hardaker, Jai Field and Liam Marshall who very well could form Wigan’s back three if fully fit. If not, Umyla Hanley and Sam Halsall could remain in the side having featured against Leigh. The return of Hardaker meanwhile should allow Jackson Hastings to return to his preferred halfback role lessening the blow of Leuluai’s injury. Meanwhile, Morgan Smithies may return from injury to take a spot on the bench.

Just like Wigan’s likely 17, Salford’s team should be quite different from the last time we saw them. Interestingly, despite their 11 absentees, the Red Devils have five players capable of playing in the halves available. That means we could see Tui Lolohea move to fullback whilst the returning Kevin Brown partners Chris Atkin in the halves with new signing Ata Hingano on the bench. Salford face a lack of forwards meaning Warrington loanee Ellis Robson will likely feature whilst Dan Sarginson will startat centre to ensure Harvey Livett’s availability to play in the back-row.

Wigan
3 Zak Hardaker
6 Jai Field
22 Jake Bibby
4 Oliver Gildart
5 Liam Marshall
20 Harry Smith
31 Jackson Hastings
17 Tony Clubb
9 Sam Powell
21 Ethan Havard
11 Willie Isa
13 John Bateman
25 Joe Shorrocks
Substitutes
15 Morgan Smithies
19 Liam Byrne
27 Kai Pearce-Paul
33 Amir Bourouh

Salford
6 Tui Lolohea
5 Joe Burgess
24 Matty Costello
23 Dan Sarginson
22 Rhys Williams
18 Chris Atkin
7 Kevin Brown
8 Lee Mossop
9 Andy Ackers
25 Jack Ormondroyd
20 Harvey Livett
27 Sam Luckley
13 Elijah Taylor
Substitutes
12 Pauli Pauli
17 Josh Johnson
33 Ata Hingano
35 Ellis Roebuck