The last stretch of the season begins when fifth place welcome Challenge Cup winners Warrington to the AJ Bell for this Round 26 clash. Here is everything you need to know….
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Salford Red Devils
Salford come into this match off the back of five straight wins which has moved them from the relegation battle to the play-off fight. Currently sitting fifth, their last defeat was against Huddersfield at the start of July. In their last match though the Reds won comfortably 22-44 away at Hull FC.
Warrington Wolves
The Wire come into this one off the back of their 18-4 win last weekend against St Helens in the Challenge Cup final. However, their league form of late is poor. They are without a win in five League games, including a 12-22 defeat to Salford in round 22. Even with this bad run of form, they still sit second.
SQUAD NEWS
Salford Red Devils
Ian Watson has made one change to his side following their victory last time out. Josh Wood is replaced by former Warrington man Tyrone McCarthy.
This is the first game since Krisnan Inu extended his stay at the AJ Bell into 2020.
Salford Red Devils 19-man squad: Evalds, Welham, Bibby, Mossop, Dudson, Jones, Flanagan, Lussick, Walker, Burke, Nakubuwai, Tomkins, Sio, Inu, Lannon, Lolohea, Hastings, J Johnson.
Warrington Wolves
Steve Price has made four changes to his side from last week’s win. Dropping out are Chris Hill, Dec Patton, Toby King and Mike Cooper, who are replaced by Matty Smith, Luther Burrell, Danny Walker and Lama Tasi. However, Blake Austin is still the Wolves most notable absentee who is injured with an ankle problem.
Warrington Wolves 19-man squad: Akauola, Burrell, Charnley, D. Clark, J. Clark, Currie, Davis, Goodwin, Hughes, Lineham, Livett, Mamo, Murdoch-Masila, Philbin, Ratchford, Smith, Tasi, Walker, Westwood
HEAD TO HEAD
The last meeting between these two sides was a 12-22 win for Salford where Krisnan Inu stole the show with the centre scoring two tries and three goals. Ryan Lannon and Kris Welham scoring the other two tries for the Red Devils. Warrington’s points came from Lance Todd Trophy winner Daryl Clark and Matt Davis, while Dec Patton scored the two goals for the Wire.
In the last five meetings between these two sides, Warrington have won two and Salford three. In both meetings so far, Warrington have scored only 12 points in each, whilst Salford have scored 36 and 22 points respectably. In each of the last five games between these two have been decided in the middle. Looking at both packs, I feel that Warrington could have the edge in that department.
KEY BATTLE
Logan Tomkins (Salford Red Devil) v Daryl Clark (Warrington Wolves)
The battle of the hookers is the main battle to watch out for in this one. For Salford is experienced Logan Tomkins. The 27-year-old is vastly experienced, with just under 200 appearances in his eight-year career. He is a lot more methodical in his approach and prefers to pass out the back, rather than dummy runs. However, he is still as explosive and can still cause major problems. Linking up with Tui Lolohea and Jackson Hastings, this 6,7 9 combo has become lethal just at the right time. Can they find the way through the Wolves line and make it a hat trick of wins this year?
For the Wire is Lance Todd Trophy winner Daryl Clark. The inspirational no 9 has reignited the battle for the starting nine jersey for the GB squad for the autumn. Playing the game of his life last weekend, he will be looking to continue his impressive form in this one. Clark’s defensive attitude is second to none, but it’s his attacking game that makes him one of the best. With the ability to exploit any slacking defence and make big gains and the vision of a six, he knows exactly how to set up the key play. Salford will need to be watching Clark carefully.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Thursday August 29
Venue: The AJ Bell Stadium
Kick-off: 19:45
Referee: C Kendall
WHO WILL WIN?
I feel that Salford will have the edge in this one. With the short turnaround for the Wire, plus their poor league form, I just think it will be too much for them. However, I do feel it will be a close match, especially how close both sides are to each other.
