MAGIC WEEKEND PREVIEW – Leigh Centurions vs Salford Red Devils
In the penultimate fixture of Magic Weekend, high-flying Salford Red Devils take on Leigh Centurions on Sunday afternoon, with the Centurions taking part in the event for the very first time.
Last Time Out
Salford Red Devils head into this clash in third place, and in their last league outing they brushed aside Wigan Warriors at the DW Stadium 31-16 to begin the month of May in perfect fashion. They have won seven of their last eight Super League fixtures, and last week progressed to the next round of the Challenge Cup with a win against Hull KR in a rematch of the million pound game. Their fortunes have changed dramatically since then as they look to secure a place in the top four and fight for a chance to compete for the Super League trophy at Old Trafford.
Leigh Centurions are just one point off the foot of the table having lost their last eight matches, with their last win coming way back in March against Warrington Wolves. After being knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Hull KR they enjoyed a week off, but in their last fixture they were beaten 40-26. Magic Weekend is a step up from the Summer Bash for the Centurions since they were promoted, but if their form doesn’t improve they will be fighting for survival come the end of the season.
Key Battle
Much of Salford’s success this season has been around their spine, with Gareth O’Brien, Robert Lui and Michael Dobson pulling the strings as a very effective trio. They have produced the attacking flair but coming up against Leigh will probably result in a battle up the middle, where they will look to Ben Murdoch-Masilla to provide their go-forward. The Centurions will be hoping the likes of Gareth Hock and Dayne Weston can get the upper hand on their opposite numbers if they are to have a chance of a victory.
Prediction
The Red Devils are white hot at the moment and are coming up against a side low on confidence, with no experience playing at Magic Weekend. Salford Red Devils by 22.
Squads
Team news to follow…
