I think if Wigan use their structures at the right times, eg shortage of defenders on one side- use the multi attacker move, and then chuck it around a bit like they did last 20 mins v us, it's going to cause us a lot of problems. My main concern though is the power and size advantage they have in the forwards. If we use that swarm defence, similar to Klopp's gegenpressen like we did in the first half v Hull in the CC final, then we have a great chance. Personally I would have Wigan as the slight favourites.

He is a real threat with ball in hand and I am not sure he will be so bad defensively now, he looks comfortable in the team now (thought that since he forced the drop out against Wigan), like he thinks he belongs there and I for one don't disagree. I really think he is destined for big things in the game.

I think with Toby King able to cover a fair few position we can have sandow on the bench if fit. George King and Bailey to spell Hill and Sims (who has also been excellent recently).

We've certainly been more dangerous with ball in hand these last few weeks but Wire have thrown far more at us then any other team these past few seasons so we may play it a bit tighter.

It'll be interesting to see what bench you put out. If it's the same as last Thursday then that should be an area we'll have an advantage with us having a bit more experience on there. On the flip side of that your starting front row could cause us all sorts of problems and that may lead to us chasing our tales for the rest of the game.

It's an intriguing match up.

I'm not over-concerned with their forward pack.
I think we can more than hold our own.
We did until the brain-fart of a last 20 mins against them previously.

Their defence and (boring and predictable) structures are their key assets.
Oh yes - and their 3rd man tackling, lieing on and high shots.

Seriously we need to pressure the halves and keep Bateman and Gelling quiet.
We play a fast game down the middle with good kicking (high and also tactical on the 4th or 5th).

I know Lineham has become the prodigal son for a few but he's still slow at turning and partially switched off against Saints, getting caught in the wrong position leading to their long range try. That's one of the few weaknesses. (No way can I ever see this team getting caught like the last 20 against the goons).

Nicky,
How do you guys rate Tierney? He showed he can finish well and is stronger than he looks
I'm relieved it's not Manfredi against Russell.
Same goes for the Lineham match up

Bailey & Flower on the pitch could lead to some colourful entertainment.

Yeah thinking this myself

Personally my heart is in my mouth whenever the ball goes near him but maybe that's a bit harsh. He has errors in him and physically isn't quite up to the task IMO.

I say all that yet since he had a stinker at Hull four weeks back he's been very good. He took his first try brilliantly against Hull and he is a good broken field runner. If I was Tony Smith though he'd be my biggest target to be truthful.

He's certainly not in his dad's class (but then apart from 7 or 8 in the last 100 years who is).

They do load up blind/open side of the play the ball when attacking from 30m out and we will need to number up correctly. Cost us at least one try in the recent games. The way we defend also makes us vulnerable to a ball that's shipped wide quickly and early in the count.

I hope Bailey plays as we will need his grunt. Philbin just won't do it.

I'm not sure we need to be as aggressive as them, we rely a bit more on agility and footwork at the line in attack, and good early set line speed.

The most important aspect for us is finishing on a kick, strong chase and reducing meters on the first 3 tackles.

This is what got away from us against Wigan recently, the Charnley try to make it 28-18 of a Sarginson 1st tackle bust and offload to FPN, and the Tierney try to make it 28 all off a break on kick return by Charnley if I remember correctly.

Lock them up down the top end of the field and make them use a clearance kick and we have a decent chance

Sandow should be no where near the team on Saturday. After 6 weeks he'll be rusty and not match fit and if we're honest he's last good game was Wigan. And even then he only lasted 25 mins. I'd stick with the team that saints and I believe that's the team which end the song "it's always our year"

Personally I wouldn't risk Sandow even on the bench. He won't be match fit, he isn't great defensively at the best of times, but what do I know...I didn't think we would beat Hull!

Can anyone confirm what grade Sandow MCL strain is?
Grade 1 recovery is 6 weeks
Grades 2 & 3 are 8--12 weeks so looking at this even if his injury is a mild one he possibly can't be fit for such a huge occasion
Best case scenario put him on the bench as a partially fit Sandow can still do damage especially later in the game when big forwards are tired
So I'm going with
Ratchford
Lineham
Evans Atkins
Russell
Gidley Patton
Hill Clarke Simms
Hughes Wilde
Westerman
King
King
Bailey
Sandow

From memory its a grade 2.

Grade 2

rlhttps://warringtonwolves.com/club-news/injury-update-sandow/rl