I would have agreed with you a fortnight ago - now, it really isn't.

How is it not? Will Saints not be the team that are expected to win this game and progress? In everyone else`s eyes we don`t stand a chance in this game the only real pressure on us should come from the pressure that the squad put on themselves to perform.

Because I can't see Saints going into this in any other mindset than brimming with confidence; they're quick, fluent, highly-skilled and able to score from anywhere on the park. I can't imagine for a minute that they'll feel any pressure when faced with the prospect of playing WT.

I'm not being a pessimist here - or discounting some kind of freak win - but it would be just that; a freak.

But surely that`s the point? There will be a pressure on them to win this game as they are expected to win it, even if they are full of confidence.

If by some miracle we see big Dave`s name on the team sheet and the return of Brough I may be travelling over the M62 with a tiny fraction of hope !

Can't afford any slow starts here. I imagine they'll come out all guns blazing from the off, like Warrington did down at BV earlier in the season. Really need big Dave but can't see him playing

If, and it's a big if, Saints are a bit 'off' on the day and we are at the top of our game we may well spring a surprise. Wakefield by 4.

Good to see quite a few optimists on here. But I honestly think we have zero chance of winning this match. I just dont see us putting everything together that we'd need to do to come out on top.

If we allow them to get of to a flyer and build up an early lead, then there is no pressure whatsoever.
However, if we can keep it tight or, better still, take the lead, then, pressure will build and their support may become impatient.

It's a huge ask but, equally, it's 13(17) v 13 (17) and if we harbour any ambition beyond being a top 5/6 club, then, at some point we have to win some of this type of game.

As the thread title suggests, this game is as tough as they come, especially with a squad that is a long way from full strength but, it still comes down to 80 minutes on a rectangular piece of grass and the reward for victory could be huge and tickets are cheap as chips

Come on Trin !

Dave not playing this week.
Chester just confirmed his foot injury not terrible but it will keep him out for a week.
Max too as he has broken his thumb.

MCB also a doubt this week. Jack Croft in the squad.

This is starting to feel like the game at Wigan a few years ago, when we went over there, first game of the season, with a patched up squad and expected to get mullered.
We very unexpectedly won thet one. The main difference is that we've no hope of catching Saints cold, they have been ruthless so far this season.
It's becoming a close your eyes and cross your fingers game.

I admire your optimism Wrencat, but this is now beyond cross your fingers time.

We've had the heart ripped out of the team for weeks and it simply gets worse. If Max is out and Dave, even if Broughty back - forget it, and I'll gladly eat my words but I think we'll do good to avoid a big score against.

Two teenagers Croft and Kershaw against Naiqama and Makinson?...one on debut...it’s what dreams are made of boys...go make a name for yourselves...best team in the league by a mile, full strength...in red hot form...live on bbc...there is no greater stage!

This is starting to feel more and more like the Wire semi final three years ago.