Super League: Widnes have the fight to keep Wigan at bay
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Widnes Vikings will be hoping to replicate their famous win over Wigan Warriors from earlier in the season when they travel to the DW Stadium tonight.
The Vikings grabbed their first victory in Wigan for 13 years earlier in the campaign. At the time they were top of the league, but Denis Betts’ side have gradually drifted down the Super League table and currently lie in seventh spot with little to play for in the Super 8s but pride.
Wigan, after missing out on the chance of Challenge Cup glory by losing to eventual winners Hull FC in the semi-final stage, are still in the hunt for two trophies, and a win tonight will move them level on points with Hull at the top of Super League.
Wigan and Widnes have fought some tight battles in recent times, including two games this season that were decided by six and seven points – a win apiece for both teams.
Judging by the betting though, another tight game is not to be expected at the DW Stadium tonight, with Wigan massive odds-on at 1/7 to claim the two points and Widnes 5/1 to repeat their historic win.
Just four games remain for both sides in the Super 8s, and with Wigan’s poor points difference in comparison to their rivals, they will have to finish clear at the top if they are to claim the League Leaders’ Shield.
They will see tonight’s game however, as an opportunity to boost their meagre points difference, with the Warriors an enhanced 15/8 to win by 25+ points.
However, don’t expect a Widnes side filled with ex-Wigan men to roll over without putting up a fight.
Betts can call upon most of his star men tonight, and the likes of Kevin Brown and Joe Mellor – both former Warriors – can cause the Cherry and Whites plenty of issues if given a good platform by their forwards. It is Evens that the Vikings cover the +16 handicap.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
