As the race for the playoffs heats up, third placed Hull FC host fifth placed Salford Red Devils.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Hull FC
Lee Radford’s side got back on track last Sunday with an away victory against struggling Wakefield. The Black and Whites had lost their previous two including the Challenge Cup semi final.
Salford Red Devils
The Red Devils have been in great form and have really been eye-catching in recent weeks. Since their home defeat at the beginning of July to Huddersfield, Salford are yet to lose from that fixture. Four wins in a row for Ian Watson’s side puts them in a good position for making the top five.
SQUAD NEWS
Hull FC
Hull would have been concerned going into this fixture with Jake Connor and Jamie Shaul both picking up knocks, however both are named in the squad, but Mark Minichello will miss out due to a groin injury picked up last weekend.
Jack Logan and Kieran Buchanan also miss out.
Sika Manu and Mickey Paea are set to return to the side. Jack Brown also gets named in the squad, he played last week despite not initially being named in the 19-man squad.
Former New Zealand Warrior Tevita Satae is set to make his Super League debut.
Hull FC 19-man squad:ย Shaul, Faraimo, Griffin, Tuimavave, Naulago, Connor, Sneyd, Taylor, Houghton, Bowden, Manu, Lane, Washbrook, Paea, Ellis, Fash, Matongo, Satae, Brown
Salford Red Devils
Ian Watson makes two changes from his victorious side last weekend. Josh Wood and Ben Nakubuwai come into the squad for Tyrone McCarthy and Darrell Olpherts.
Salford Red Devils 19-man squad:ย Evalds, Welham, Bibby, Mossop, Wood, Dudson, Jones, Flanagan, Lussick, Walker, Burke, Nakubuwai, Tomkins, Sio, Inu, Lannon, Lolohea, Hastings, J Johnson
HEAD TO HEAD
Hull have the upper hand in recent meetings. Out of the previous ten meetings, the Black and Whites have won eight of these matches, including both meetings so far this season.
Both matches have been won by narrow margins with a seven point victory in the away leg, before a three point win at the KCOM. However, the most recent meeting it could be argued the scoreline flattered the visitors. With 16 points in the final ten minutes, the gap was narrowed and put Hull in edge in the closing minutes.
The last time Salford beat Hull FC at the KCOM was back in April 2017 when they dominantly thrashed the hosts 54-18. The ten try rout impressed in a Salford side who had quality all over the pitch. Hull took the lead on that occasion, however it was pretty short lived with doubles from Greg Johnson and Craig Kopczak before half time, as well as tries by Robert Lui, Todd Carney and Junior Sa’u.
KEY BATTLE
Marc Sneyd (Hull FC) v Jackson Hastings (Salford Red Devils)
An obvious battle but both sides are very crucial to their respective sides. Marc Sneyd currently has the second most assists the the Super League with 20 so far. His attacking kicking game often can lead to tries for his wide players. He only has scored two tries this season, however his double left foot step last week gave him that second of the season. With players like Jake Connor along side him, it is no wonder why Hull are doing well this season.
Since the departure of Robert Lui, Jackson Hastings has been flying in regards to try assists. He was level with Sneyd when Lui left the club, however he currently leads the standings with an outstanding 32 try assists for the season. Hastings will be sorely missed next season with his off the cuff style allowing his side to dominate from the front. A player who attacks the line and if Hull can shut him down then it will go along way towards a victory.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Saturday August 16th
Venue: KCOM Stadium
Kick-off: 5:00 PM
Referee: Scott Mikalauskas
WHO WILL WIN?
Like both previous meetings this season, this will be another close affair. It is no secret to how important Jackson Hastings is to Salford, however overall I think Hull have too much for the Red Devils and that is why I think it will be a home victory.
