With a series of tantalising battles between Super League and lower division sides ahead of us during Round 5 of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup, we asked our ‘nothingbutleague.com’ writers to give us their predictions…
Widnes Vikings vs Coventry Bears
Sean Hayes- The Vikings are low on confidence at the moment, with a battered and bruised squad which have now lost four games in a row. Facing Coventry Bears should give them a chance to pick up a big win, with the Southern side massive underdogs.
Prediction: Widnes 62-10 Coventry
Josh McAllister- Widnes need some luck this season, and a Challenge Cup run could provide exactly that. They will face a very proud Coventry Bears, but with the debut for Stanton Albert, I can only see a victory for the home side.
Prediction: Widnes 50-12 Coventry
Jon Mills- Widnes are struggling with injuries but I believe their strong youth setup will help them through this game against the Coventry Bears.
Prediction: Widnes to win by 38 points
Stephen Ibbetson- Widnes are suffering another nightmare season on the injury front, which could give coach Denis Betts a few things to consider in terms of selection. Even with the injuries, their strongest available line-up should make easy work of a Coventry side that sits near the bottom of League 1. If any more young players are brought in, however, the Bears might fancy their chances of pushing for a famous victory. Knocking out Super League opposition still looks unlikely, though.
Prediction: Widnes 32-6 Coventry
Other Predictions:
Daniel Zealey: Widnes VIkings 66-6 Coventry Bears
Sian Reed: Widnes 50-24 Coventry
York City Knights vs Catalans Dragons
James Messenger- Sitting joint top of Betfred League One and making huge strides both of and off the field- things are certainly looking good for the York City Knights. They come up against a Dragons side down on confidence, and may fancy their chances in front of a vocal crowd at Bootham Crescent. For fans wanting an upset, this may be the game to watch.
Prediction: York City Knights 23-16 Catalans Dragons
Sian Reed- With such an awful start to the season, this is York’s best chance to make the next round but if Catalans lose, it may be the last straw for coach Steve McNamara. Catalans should just have enough but with York’s confidence and form this season, they should not be complacent.
Prediction: Catalans by 10.
Jonny Whitfield- York will be fired up for this one, and with Catalans at the bottom of SL, the hosts will fancy their chances of an upset.
Prediction: Catalans to win by 10.
Josh McAllister- Catalans are struggling so far this year and a cup run will do head coach Steve McNamara a lot of favours. York City Knights recently signed former player Jake Butler Fleming, but unlike St George’s day (this Monday), the dragon will slay the knights!
Prediction: York City Knights 14-28 Catalans Dragons
Other Predictions:
Sean Hayes: York City Knights 16-30 Catalans Dragons
Jon Mills: Catalans to win by 10 points
Read our predictions for Warrington vs Bradford and Oldham vs Hull KR on Page 2!
