Leeds-4.5

The Rhinos have not been on fantastic form but they are getting closer and at least have a very nice run of wins and points in the bag. Only defeat recently came at Saints and as anyone who seen that game knows St Helens  were fantastic on the day.

We seen Leeds crush Hull in the CC in the sun. Good weather is important to the most attacking sides. And although it wasnt a vintage performance last week the win over Warrington was vital. The Wolves had been on top form-looking like a side who can compete. But they didnt manage to take anything at Leeds and the Rhinos were well worth that result.

Bradford are a team that annoy me. Sometimes you see examples of real quality and other times the attitude is poor and some of the mistakes made are of lower level rugby. I dont think a great deal of their manager to be honest. I think hes the main problem. Hes got a terrific set of forwards to work with and also some real class in the backline with Kearney and Orford and Menzies. Quality imports from the Nrl but they never seem to get it together for 80 mins.

That performance up in Edinburgh when little Celtic beat them 19-0 should have been the end for McNamara in my opinion.

Bradford will be fired up for this 1 no doubt about that. Its a huge derby game and one which the Bulls will feel they need to win. To prove to themselves more than anyone- they can compete with the champions and also Saints and Warrington.

It should be close in the 1st half but i think Leeds attack will win this one- possibly in the second half or even the last 20 mins or so. These games are so often decided in the last quarter or so when the big forwards get tired and the little guys get some space to play in.

Im expecting Danny McGuire to be the match winner. Hes not had a terrific season thus far but he always seems to hit top form in these derby fixtures.

Leeds-4.5 to beat Bradford with betfred at a1.91