Bottom of the table London Broncos take on top of the table St Helens. Here’s everything you need to know.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
London Broncos
It’s not usual that the team sitting at the bottom of the table are happy with how their season has gone. London were massive favourites for the drop at the start of the season but with four wins so far this season they have given themselves a real chance of survival as Hull KR are only two points above them.
St Helens
So far so good for St Helens. Sitting six points clear at the top of the table and a Challenge Cup semi-final place with a likely appearance at Wembley. They’ve now won their last nine in all competitions.
SQUAD NEWS
London Broncos
London only make one change from their Magic Weekend fixture with Leeds Rhinos as Mark Ioane replaces Will Lovell, Eloi Pelissier continues to regain his fitness, just missing out this time.
London Broncos 19-man squad: 1. Alex Walker 2. Rhys Williams 4. Elliot Kear 5. Kieron Dixon 6. Jordan Abdull 7. James Cunningham 8. Eddie Battye 10. Mark Ioane 12. Jay Pitts 13. Sadiq Adebiyi 14. Matty Fozard 15. Greg Richards 16. Matt Gee 17. Matty Fleming 19. Ryan Morgan 20. Luke Yates 23. Rob Butler 28. Morgan Smith 30. Olsi Krasniqiย
St Helens
Saints have made five changes to their 19-man squad. Tommy Makinson and Jonny Lomax are rested as they have been previously when playing on an artificial pitches in previous games against Widnes. Alex Walmsley, Zeb Taia and Aaron Smith are also left out while Adam Swift, Jack Welsby and James Bentley come into the squad. Theo Fages also returns after a concussion,
St Helens 19-man squad: 3. Kevin Naiqama 4. Mark Percival 5. Regan Grace 6. Theo Fages 7. Danny Richardson 9. James Roby 10. Luke Thompson 12. Joseph Paulo 13. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook 15. Morgan Knowles 16. Kyle Amor 17. Dom Peyroux 18, Adam Swift 19. Matty Lees 20. Jack Ashworth 22. James Bentley 23. Lachlan Coote 24. Matty Costell o 29. Jack Welsby.
HEAD TO HEAD
St Helens got the the better of London in their previous encounter this season with a 26-0 victory at The Totally Wicked Stadium. The scoreline flattered the hosts though as London put up a dogged display.
London’s last victory at home to St Helens came in April 2013 as they came away as 21-14 winners.
KEY BATTLE
Luke Yates (London Broncos) v Luke Thompson (St Helens)
This weeks key battle comes between the two Luke’s. Luke Yates has arguably been the Broncos best player this season. Saints’ main strength is how big, aggressive and mobile their pack is and they have on a number of occasions steamrolled their opposition. If London are to make the score respectable or even win the game then their pack is going to have to stand up and Yates will be at the forefront of this.
Meanwhile Luke Thompson returned from injury last weekend against Wakefield in the Cup. Once again he is going to have to take responsibility with his front row partner Alex Walmsley missing. We all know Thompson has the ability to do this.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: 9/6/19
Venue: Trailfinders Sports Ground
Kick-off: 15:00
Referee: Marcus Griffiths
WHO WILL WIN?
Easy win for St Helens. I think they will turn on the style and it will be a 40 plus victory.
