Wigan Warriors vs Salford Red Devils: Kick-off time, TV channel and predicted line-ups

For the first time this season we’re set to see Super League teams battle in the Challenge Cup tonight as Wigan host Salford.

The Warriors, as one of the frontrunners for silverware in 2022, will be hoping to move a step closer to the final and fulfilling their potential with a win over the Red Devils having only lost once so far this season.

However, Salford will be full of confidence after a terrific win over Leeds last week. The cup may suit Paul Rowley’s counterattacking side to a tee as they look to replicate the heroics of their cup run in 2020.

Kick-off time and TV channel

The game kicks off at 19:35 tonight.

Coverage starts on Premier Sports 1 from 19:00.

Predicted Line-ups

Wigan Warriors
Matt Peet confirmed this week that he wouldn’t be making many changes to his side this time around asides from bringing Jake Bibby back into the fold in place of young centre Sam Halsall. The fixture is still too early for Iain Thornley and Bevan French whilst Brad Singleton and Kaide Ellis are still suspended. Expect pretty much the same 17 who defeated Castleford last week. However, there may be one or two changes akin to the return of Bibby at centre. For instance, will Harry Smith keep his spot on the bench or will Peet look to go with a bit more size?

23 Jai Field
3 Zak Hardaker
21 Kai Pearce-Paul
2 Jake Bibby
5 Liam Marshall
6 Cade Cust
7 Thomas Leuluai
14 Morgan Smithies
9 Sam Powell
20 Liam Byrne
12 Liam Farrell
13 John Bateman
11 Willie Isa
Substitutes
10 Patrick Mago
16 Harry Smith
17 Oliver Partington
19 Ethan Havard

Salford Red Devils
Unfortunately for Salford, they find themselves forced into changes. Shane Wright and Ken Sio have dropped out of the side after the win over Leeds. James Greenwood’s return is therefore timely as he will likely come into the backrow for Wright alongside Ryan Lannon. As for replacing Sio, it may well be Rhys Williams who scored a superb try in the 2020 cup final. The rest of the side will likely remain the same unless Rowley wishes to bring Sitaleki Akauola back into the 17.

1 Ryan Brierley
22 Rhys Williams
4 Tim Lafai
28 Deon Cross
5 Joe Burgess
6 Brodie Croft
7 Marc Sneyd
29 Alex Gerrard
9 Andy Ackers
19 Jack Ormondroyd
12 James Greenwood
16 Ryan Lannon
13 Elijah Taylor
Substitutes
10 Greg Burke
15 King Vuniyayawa
18 Chris Atkin
20 Jack Wells