Magic Weekend lived up to its moniker for Wigan Warriors in the last round of fixtures as they downed bitter rivals St Helens 16-14 to move ahead of Warrington Wolves and into Super League’s top two.
In contrast, Warrington had a day to forget as they were dismantled by Leigh Leopards, losing 24-6 to make it two defeats in their last three games.
These sides are locked together on 24 points but Warrington still hold the advantage of having a game in hand, although a defeat at the Brick Community Stadium would see Wigan seize the initiative in the battle for a top-two finish.
Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves Tips Summary
Best Bet - Warrington Wolves +10.5 points handicap @ 4/6
Alternative Bet - George O'Loughlin first tryscorer @ 18/1
Bet Builder - Zach Eckersley to score a try, George O'Loughlin to score a try & Matty Ashton to score a try @ 10/1
Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves Prediction
Best Bet: Warrington Wolves +10.5 points handicap @ 4/6
Wigan are the team in the better form as they are on a six-game winning streak. Warrington are also in the midst of an injury crisis with nine players on the treatment table and one suspended.
However, Wigan are perhaps in worse shape after losing three more players to injury in their win over St Helens and they have a total of 21 squad members unavailable for Friday’s huge clash.
The Warriors look the more likely winners given their form and home advantage, but a +10.5 handicap appears generous for Warrington.
The Wolves won 23-6 when these teams met in a reverse fixture back in April. Wigan had won the previous three games but their last two victories over Warrington have come by a combined total of eight points.
Wigan beat Saints by two points last weekend and they overcame Hull FC by four points prior to that.
Warrington should be looking to respond after their defeat to Leigh and they haven’t lost back-to-back games all season.
The Wolves may not be able to get a win over the line, but they can keep the game close and cover a +10.5 handicap.
Alternative Bet: George O'Loughlin first tryscorer @ 18/1
Wigan coach Matt Peet will have to make a few tactical changes and that could see Adam Keighran switched to the halves, with academy prospect George O'Loughlin expected to fill in at centre.
As an outside bet, backing youngster O’Loughlin to grab the first try looks an interesting option.
O’Loughlin, the son of club legend Sean, is yet to score a senior try, but if he is involved from the off on Friday, it will mark his full debut.
The academy prospect has been a regular tryscorer for the reserve team, who are unbeaten this season, and he looks ready to make the step up.
He should also be one of the fresher players on the field in a game between two depleted squads and he is capable of making an early statement.
Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves Bet Builder Tip
Zach Eckersley to score a try
George O'Loughlin to score a try
Matty Ashton to score a try
Pays 10/1
Wigan wing Zach Eckersley has been in devastating form this season with 21 tries across all competitions, 15 of which have come in his 16 appearances in Super League.
Eckersley scored what proved to be the winning try at Magic Weekend and the 22-year-old can add to his haul for the season against Warrington.
As a single, backing George O'Loughlin to score first stands out, but for the purposes of this bet builder, backing him to be an anytime tryscorer could be the way to go.
For Warrington, Matty Ashton looks their most likely contender to grab a try. Ashton has nine tries so far this season in 13 Super League appearances and has crossed in two of his last three games.
Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.
Key Match Stats
Wigan Warriors have nine wins in their last 10 games (all comps)
Three of Warrington Wolves’ four league defeats have come away from home, including at Magic Weekend
Wigan have outscored their opponents by an average of 9.6 points this season
Wigan have won four of their last five home Super League games against Warrington Wolves
Wigan have only won two of their last six home games in the league by more than 10 points
Warrington have won their last three away games, discounting Magic Weekend
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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.
