As I said, I’ll agree to disagree. Williams setting up the try for French v Cas is a perfect example but hey ho, you see it your way, I see it mine.

I do get that point and do understand that point but there is a big issue with losing on Friday. It means we have another hard fought and tough game with potential injuries to get through just a week beforehand. I say go to Saints, beat them, let them play the eliminator and them beat them again at Old Trafford. They have done us 3 times, why can't we do them for the last 2? I am very happy we have even got this far and the noisy neighbours are the clear favourites but many have buckled under that pressure, ourselves included. We need to take all our experience and channel all that good form and energy into sticking it to them on their own midden. A ground they have a 100% record on this season. That would certainly knock them off their perch a bit.

I buy into the theory that a defeat on Friday is no bad thing. Neither is an extra game the week after, let Saints stay in that comfort zone for the GF and we'll go in battle hardened. I don't think a week off has ever done us good.

Saying that, I wouldn't be gutted if we batter them Friday and smash their confidence. Something like the last few years in the Super 8's would be nice.

No pressure on Wigan whatsoever.

I'd much rather we win on Friday. If we do that'll mean Saints have lost the 4 biggest games they've played under Holbrook. That would ramp up the psychological impact on them going in the grand final (if they got there) with the perceived idea of them being bottlers.

Only downside might be we always seem to play worse after a week off!

I can’t see us winning the GF full stop so it’s irrelevant to me whether we win or not.

That being said a win on Friday would be a huge psychological gain on Saints and would compound that “can’t win a big game” mantra.

My personal opinion is that Saints will win Friday and will win the GF.

I mean they have to, right? If they don’t there’ll be a total meltdown in St Helens

There’s certainly pros and cons and realistically it’s only fans who’ll have this debate. The players will be all guns blazing on Friday to get the job done and will be pretty gutted if they don’t. I think that point about how poor we’ve been after a week off is a valid one. We struggled away in Hull twice after the cup rounds and it’s always been tough to know if you’re better having a week off or not before a Grand Final (again should we get there. I think Salford will go through Thursday and cause whoever they face in their semi a headache. There game won’t be as intense as Saints vs Wigan).

It is difficult to know with week off, as the only relevant comparison is with seasons long gone by. Between 98 and 2001, when this system was in operation, the side finishing top and having the week off won this game 3 times out of 4 (with us being the only side to lose it in 2000). More recent week off games in the play-offs were under other systems, which may or may not be useful comparisons. Personally, while I see the value of being battle hardened, I think our boys are probably fairly banged up compared to Saints this week, so winning this Friday would be the best outcome. Also, if we lose and then get through, lots has been made of the psychological pressure on Saints, but it would also be hard for our team to generate much belief going into a final against a team that would have already beaten us 4 times on the bounce, the most recent being just a fortnight before. I'd definitely rather have the win! That said, I think Saints will win anyway.

I too think Saints will win and quite easily too if I’m honest,I still think Wigan will make the GF and then it’s anyone’s guess as to what happens once we all get to Old Trafford

It's literally facts mate. I do see your point BTW, but that's not playing a 6 and 7 on 1st and 2nd receiver... It's about the structure of the team. All I'm saying is try French as a FB in the current system, you'll see an attacking difference.

FWIW I agree. I think we're a good bit off Saints. Our attack this season has been pretty poor to watch with some moment of flair. Defence has improved, but I think Saints have far more to offer.
I think those who say Lam's improved the attack need their heads checking...

Wigan's 19 for Friday Joe Burgess, Liam Byrne, Tony Clubb, Liam Farrell, Ben Flower, Bevan French, Oliver Gildart, Joe Greenwood, Chris Hankinson, Zak Hardaker, Willie Isa, Tommy Leuluai, Liam Marshall, Romain Navarrete, Sean O’Loughlin, Ollie Partington, Sam Powell, Morgan Smithies, George Williams. Read more at https://www.wiganwarriors.com/news/2019 ... IViU4bl.99

Wigan's 19 for Friday Joe Burgess, Liam Byrne, Tony Clubb, Liam Farrell, Ben Flower, Bevan French, Oliver Gildart, Joe Greenwood, Chris Hankinson, Zak Hardaker, Willie Isa, Tommy Leuluai, Liam Marshall, Romain Navarrete, Sean O’Loughlin, Ollie Partington, Sam Powell, Morgan Smithies, George Williams. Read more at https://www.wiganwarriors.com/news/2019 ... IViU4bl.99

I'd go...

French
Marshall Hardaker Gildart Burgess
Williams Leuluai
Flower Powell Partington
Farrell Greenwood
Lockers
-------------------
Hankinson Smithies Clubb Narvarrete/Bryne

No Isa? Probably Wigans most consistent player this season.

I would wager he is one of the first names on the team sheet. He has gone from Mr. Back up to Mr. Reliable to Mr. Consistent. Credit to him because usurping someone as good as Greenwood is no mean feat.

I don't agree with that. But each to their own.