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TEAM FORM GUIDE
Salford Red Devils
Salford have yet to hit the ground running this season, with just one win from five games. They come into the game off the back of two results of little promise, having been beaten twice on the bounce. On the road at St Helens they only registered a penalty goal and the visit to Castleford also ended in a loss.
Hull FC
Hull have two wins from five, but also come off the back of a loss as Leeds Rhino pipped them to the post last week. Hull did beat Warrington a week prior though, so they will still have some confidence about them.
SQUAD NEWS
Salford Red Devils After Sunday’s defeat to Castleford, Salford could make two changes on the night as Derrell Olpherts is included in the 19-man squad and could make his debut, with Craig Kopczak returning.
Salford squad: Johnson, Welham, Sa’u, Evalds, Lui, Littlejohn, Kopczak, Tomkins, Jones, Hauraki, Flanagan, Tasi, Burgess, McCarthy, Nakubuwai, Wood, Olpherts, Mossop, Bibby.
Hull FC
Josh Bowden comes back in as he replaces the missing Sika Manu, who has a calf injury.
Hull squad: Shaul, Faraimo, Tuimavave, Griffin, Talanoa, Sneyd, Taylor, Hadley, Minichiello, Bowden, Connor, Green, Abdull, Washbrook, Fash, Logan, Turgut, Lane, Matongo.
PREVIEW
Hull showed that they were a good package last year, as they lifted the Challenge Cup for a second consecutive year, finishing in the top three and just falling short of an Old Trafford trip as they were beaten in the semi-finals. Results haven’t gone their way so far this year, but coach Lee Radford is a tough cookie and he certainly won’t settle for anything but the best. Hull will be looking to get back on track, they weren’t far off against a strong Rhinos side, and will be boosted by the inclusion of forward Josh Bowden.
Salford are lacking some spark after losing some big names in the off-season, but there will be a huge sense of relief as Craig Kopczak becomes available again. Robert Lui was a serious dangerman for the Red Devils last year, if he is at his best on Friday Night, Salford will definitely be able to break down the FC defence.
KEY STAT
Salford and Hull FC have met on 41 occasions in Super League with the Red Devils winning nine of those, to Hull FC’s 32 wins. There is yet to be a league draw between the sides.
The last time Salford beat Hull FC at the AJ Bell Stadium was three years ago (Feb 2015) in a 32-28 win.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Friday 16th March
Venue: AJ Bell Stadium, Salford
Kick-off: 8:00pm
Referee: S. Mikalauskas
WHO WILL WIN?
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