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.

Agreed been very consistent played excellently recently always seems pumped up and gives his all

Isa must be in the 17.

I could see Greenwood missing out. He’s getting hardly any minutes and I could see Lam being tempted to put Byrne in ahead of him.

He should miss out, we’re lucky to get 20 mins a game from him and it’s not asif he makes an impact in that time, Isa and Farrell have been 2 of our best players this year and are 80 min players which means we don’t need greenwood

Yeah, I'm afraid I'm going off Greenwood at a rate of knots. I certainly don't think Willie Isa should give up his place in the team for him, anyway.