Wigan Warriors demolished fellow Super League title contenders Leeds Rhinos last weekend at Headingley and now the table-toppers can get their hands on the League Leaders' Shield on Friday night when they host Catalans Dragons.
Having already claimed the Challenge Cup, the Warriors are closing in on their second piece of silverware for the season.
Thumping the Rhinos 40-8 in what was billed as the League Leaders' Shield decider at Headingley last Saturday, victory over Catalans at The Brick Community Stadium will wrap up top spot for the Warriors.
Down in ninth place in the Super League standings, it has been a tough season for the Dragons and a shot at play-off rugby has already slipped through their fingers.
With nothing to play for, the Dragons players might already be planning their holidays, while the Warriors will be all about business on Friday night.
Wigan Warriors v Catalans Dragons Tips Summary
Best Bet - Wigan Warriors -36.5 handicap @ 10/11
Alternative Bet - Adam Keighran two or more tries @ 5/2
Bet Builder - Wigan Warriors first to 20 points in 1st half, Bevan French & Liam Marshall anytime tryscorers @ 9/5
Wigan Warriors v Catalans Dragons Prediction
Best Bet: Wigan Warriors -36.5 handicap @ 10/11
Currently on a 15-game winning streak in all competitions, there is little doubt that Wigan are the team to beat right now.
The Warriors were superior in all departments at Headingley last weekend, showing the Rhinos they will need to raise their game significantly if they are to secure the Super League crown at Old Trafford this season.
Winning all of their last nine home games, The Brick Community Stadium has been a fortress for the Warriors in recent months.
Currently on an eight-game winning streak against the Dragons, who have lost eight of their last 11 away matches in all competitions, it's hard to see Wigan slipping up in their final fixture of the regular season.
Conceding an average of 28.8 points per game, the Dragons' defence has left much to be desired this term and the Warriors are fancied to cover the substantial 36.5 handicap here.
Alternative Bet: Adam Keighran two or more tries @ 5/2
Scoring in four of his last five appearances for the Warriors, Adam Keighran has hit great tryscoring form at an important stage of the season.
Going over for tries against St Helens, Bradford Bulls and Hull KR, Keighran ran riot against the Rhinos last time out, bagging himself a hat-trick at Headingley.
In this sort of form, and having scored against the Dragons earlier this season, Keighran is fancied to bag at least two tries against this fragile Catalans defence on Friday night.
Wigan Warriors v Catalans Dragons Bet Builder Tip
Wigan Warriors first to 20 points in 1st half
Bevan French anytime tryscorer
Liam Marshall anytime tryscorer
Pays 9/5
Given the Dragons' defensive struggles, and with Wigan putting 40 points past Leeds last time out, the Warriors are backed to be the first team to reach 20 points and to do so before the half-time whistle.
Meanwhile, both Bevan French and Liam Marshall are tipped in the anytime tryscorer market.
French dazzled against Leeds last week and, having scored against the Rhinos, is backed to add another try to his collection on Friday.
As for Marshall, with six tries in his last three games for the Warriors, it would be little surprise to see the 30-year-old go over for Wigan against the Dragons.
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Key Match Stats
Catalans Dragons have lost five of their last six matches in Super League
The Dragons have lost eight of their last 11 away games in all competitions
Wigan Warriors are currently on a 15-game winning streak in all competitions
The Warriors are on a nine-match winning streak at home
Wigan are on an eight-game winning run against Catalans
The Dragons' last win against the Warriors was a 46-22 away victory for the French outfit back in June 2023
Read more rugby league betting tips and predictions on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
