Well with Leeds at least, the less said about the Warrington prediction the better although I'd guess most posters are in the same boat with that one.

People talk about false positions but I think 3rd is about right. Although we currently sit 2nd I think fans of most clubs above Wigan (barring Cas) would accept that Wigan would be above them if they hadn't had it so bad with injuries.

With Saints it's all about away form. 1 win from 10 all year and 5 of their remaining 8 are away from home. Realistically they need to win at least 3 of those 5 away games to have a chance which will be a big ask given their away record.

Really need to beat Wakey away this weekend which won't be easy, whilst a loss wouldn't rule them out mathematically by any stretch I think they just need to start showing they can win away. Also a loss and probable 6th spot would result in away trips to Cas and Leeds.

Can't be a***d with the maths minutae but long winning sequences are pretty rare events these days. Saints and Wigan will struggle to make the play offs IMO.

When does Barba get to play - he could really be the x-factor for Saints

One of those would almost certainly be Hull though (if Wakefield and Salford are losing all their games, Hull are winning at least 2 meaning saints need to gain 4 wins in 8 games, Wigan/Hudds 5)

I don't discount a team imploding, Salford arent in the greatest form at the moment, but when you talk about Saints getting in you need 2 teams to really struggle, Wigan/hudds its 3/4 teams to really struggle.

Personally i think its 4 of the current top 5 with an outside chance Saints could sneak in. Could very well be guaranteed to be that after this weekend as we play Wigan, Saints v Wakefield and Hull v Hudds, 3 home wins and Wigan Hudds Saints are realistically out

The 4th round of the 8's. Can they stay in touch between now and then?

Depends on their fixtures - so if its Huddersfield, Wakefield, Salford maybe if its Cas, Leeds and Wigan maybe not

After tonight's games:

HOME - St. Helens, Wigan Warriors, Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity/Salford Red Devil's.
AWAY - Castleford Tigers, Huddersfield Giants, Salford Red Devil's/Wakefield Trinity.

Wakefield get beat by St. Helens by 15 or more points then we have Salford at home & Wakefield away.

I'm very happy with them fixtures.

I reckon if we win 4 then we are guaranteed in the playoffs, 5/6 should give us a home semi final, very doable considering the only game we wont be favourites will be cas away

Looking at the table Castleford are guaranteed a top 4 place already.

When are the fixtures released?

I would have thought this week. so teams can get their plans in place for travel, tickets and hospitality and such