Wigan +8 to beat Leeds.

This is a fixture Brian Noble has an outstanding record in, he is a very good defensive coach and knows exactly how to stop Leeds. Even when losing out narrowly in the challenge cup game this year(at Leeds) they were the better side and deserved to win.

Despite some indifferent form away from home Wigan have been pretty strong at the JJB. Only Catalans have won here and that was with a last minute try. The last 2 home wins over Warrington and Quins have seen them score 13 trys and put over 70 points on the scoreboard. This a much tougher test obviously, but we see a fired up Warriors side and with 9 points gap they badly need a result.

Leeds have looked quite tired recently, to me anyway. Forget the Cas win as they had most of their team away with England. But Saints were well worth the win 2 weeks ago and a pretty average Quins side beat them in London. The forwards, like Peacock and Ellis are not in the same form they were earlier in the season and Matt Diskin at hooker seems to have lost all confidence.

I think this game will be very close and Wigan may well win it. There were signs of Fielden getting back to his best last week against Quins and with Paleaaesina and Coley on form they can win the forwards battle. The one thing Wigan have been excellent at doing against Leeds is stopping them from offloading the ball, thus stopping Burrow and McGuire from playing. The gang tackles are outstanding and it often leads to the Rhinos getting frustrated.

Leeds are still quite soft on the right hand side of their defence and Wigan are sure to target them there once again. Expect Hock to have a big game out there but possibly the match winner could be Carmont who is having a fine season.

Wigan +8 to beat Leeds with skybet at 1.91