By Oliver Roby.
Date: Thursday 4th June 2015.
Venue: Select Security Stadium.
Kick Off: 8pm.
Squads
Widnes (from): Ah Van, Ashall, Brown, Clarkson, Dudson, Galea, Gerrard, Gore, Hanbury, Heremaia, Isa, Joseph, Leuluai, Manuokafoa, Marsh, Mellor, Owens, White, Whitley.
Hull (from): Abdull, Ellis, Green, Houghton, Lineham, Minichiello, Paea, Paleaaesina, Pryce, Rankin, Sa, Shaul, Sneyd, Talanoa, Thompson, Watts, Westerman, Whiting, Yeaman.
Preview
Both Widnes and Hull will come into Thursday night’s Sky game full of confidence after handsome wins at the Magic Weekend last time out and, with the sides separated by just a point on the league ladder, we are well set for a close and high quality contest.
The Vikings, led by in-form captain Kevin Brown, overcame Salford 38-16 on Saturday with Brown grabbing a hat trick along the way. Dennis Betts’ men have shown flashes of form throughout the season, but this weekend’s win sent a message to those around them in the table that they are a team packed with quality.
Thursday’s hosts have won their last four games in all competitions and make just one change to their squad as scrum-half Grant Gore replaces Cameron Phelps, who suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Newcastle.
Hull, meanwhile, have been perennial underachievers in recent years and looked set for another underwhelming campaign in 2015. However, an upturn in their fortunes of late has hauled Lee Radford’s men back into contention for a top eight spot.
Following their impressive 46-20 win over their city rivals, Hull KR, at St. James’ Park, FC now sit ninth, one place below the Vikings with a game in hand, having won seven of their last nine games in all competitions.
‘Thursday Night Thriller’ could well be the headline which meets supporters in Friday’s papers.
Unsurprisingly, Lee Radford makes no changes to his 19-man squad from last weekend.
Prediction: Home advantage could be key tomorrow night – Widnes by 2.
