Even more so when they're missing first, second and third choice half backs.

I just think a bit of perspective is necessary with [isome[/i of the Wiganers who have posted on this thread.

There is little necessity to perpetuate any 'myth' about Saints' injuries this season. They are well documented. At present we are probably stronger than we have been all season and are still missing Leon Pryce and Kyle Eastmond, our starting halves. I think we all know that missing your halves probably has more impact on the side than any other.

Anyhow, it matters not. In terms of the game itself, I cant see anything other than a tight affair. We have played each other twice and both were tight games which could have gone either way. I am more confident because Matty Smith is playing. Saints, more than any other side, are aware about how important kicking is at Old Trafford. We've all sat there and watched Sinfield systematically take us apart with kicking for 3 years at the place. I also believe Saints are stronger up front and would expect both sides to defend for their lives in a final. Wigan are stronger on the flanks and Saints will need to defend well out wide. I do believe that Wigan would want it to be dry on Saturday, if it rains I think it plays into Saints hands. I see us putting Meli in the centres to stop the inevitable hammering he would get from kicks on the wing. Saints will play through the middle and Wigan will be creative and that in essence will be the contest.

Lets hope for a great game and may the best team win.

Loving the arrogance of the Wigan fans after finally making the GF

I have a little tip for you - getting murdered territorially by a Leeds side missing Peacock, with JJB/Bailey unfit and missing McGuire isn't too much to shout home about. Had McGuire been on the pitch with that sort of possession, you'd probably be out right now.

Given how often Gidley has ripped Wigan up, I find it quite funny that our backs are labelled "p*ss poor". Three of our other "p*ss poor" backs scored tries in a win at the DW not so long ago. A game in which we were missing Kyle/Soliola/Wilkin/Gardner/Wheeler/Lomax and had Nick Fozzard and Paul Johnson on the bench who've barely played all year.

I have a feeling some people might be a little bit surprised by our fat, slow, barge over merchants on Saturday.

The l and e found their way into there by accident then?

Agreed. The point is that we've had just as many injuries, but haven't bothered documenting them, preferring to concentrate on how well the youngsters have done as replacements. Only three of our players are "ever-present": Richards & the Tomkins brothers.

One noticeable difference between Mike maguire and Brian Noble I have found is that Madge does not worry/focus as intently on the opposition as much as Brian Noble did. It's a line he constantly spouts in the media about if we can train hard and put in a good performance like we've trained to do - we should do alright. And I completely concur to this.

Wigan shouldn't be worrying about Saints. We just need to look at ourselves and what we do. Our discipline, with and without the ball, against Leeds was utterly superb. I think last week was our best defensive performance of the season. Alright, Leeds were missing some spark from Danny McGuire, but they still put out a very strong team & Brian McClennan admitted after the match they threw everything at us. They could only score from a Wigan error & that was after dominating in the forwards in the first half. Second half our forwards raised their game and we took our chances.

Next week we'll need to replicate that professionalism in terms of discipline & our excellent goal-line defence. Leeds could not score & with Saints missing their two key halfbacks (has that been mentioned yet?) they will be relying heavily on Keiron Cunningham. If we don't allow them cheap field position then I think Saints may struggle. They're a side that lacks pace in comparison to us & I question their ability to break Wigan's defence in their own half. Close the line Saints will always be a threat, but you can bet your life Wigan will be much tougher than Huddersfield. At times, Huddersfield's defence was utterly appalling close their own line. Shaun Lunt was targeted twice and Saints had great success targeting him. There's no weak-links in this Wigan side like that.

The only area I would like to see us improve is our kicking game. I think every Wigan fan can tell you that. Paul Deacon is one of the best in the game & I would like to see him step up and be utilised more - particularly close to the line when you have the aerial threat of Pat Richards against Jamie Foster/Ade Gardner of Francis Meli. Thomas Leuluai needs to step up big time. If he can't find his range - stop kicking it in the air! Kick it on the ground; that way even if it is right at the Saints fullback/wingers they have to bend down to the pick the ball up & don't take it on the full and allow them to build some momentum going forward. All the pressure can't be on Deacon, but we have players who are capable of taking some of the pressure off. Mark Riddell and Mike McIlorum could do with taking some of the responsibilities IMO. Mike McIlorum is an excellent kicker IMO.

You can bet your life that this game will be close. I don't think there will be much in it. Saints are an excellent side - as are we - and I think it will all come down to who can step up on the day. I'm quietly confident that Wigan will do this.

And they're only ever present after playing 2 games in 24 hours as well.