Wigan vs. Leeds

Leeds -4.5

After a bit of sticky spell Leeds were back to their best with 2 good wins over the Bulls and Castleford. The forwards were excellent, Peacock, Leuluai, Ellis, Kirke, all on good form at the most vital stage of the season. When Leeds forwards are winning the battle up the middle, they can be unstoppable as they have one of the best backlines in the world.

Wigan have found some form at the right time too. Wins over Wakefield and Hull, and a very good point in France, put them right in the mix for a possible 4th place finish. When it gets to play off time anything can happen.

I can see Wigan doing something in the play offs but im not sure they can live with the Rhinos at this time.

They have had some problems with discipline recently, 3 reds in the last 4 home games, thats disgraceful. Noble can say they have been unlucky but every one was a bad challenge and although they got the result last week with 12 men v Wakey, it has to take a lot out of their players playing a man down for most of the match. I wouldnt be surprised if that takes its toll in the final 20 on friday.

Leeds, like Saints, have been scoring very low on the pen count and this is a huge advantage in modern rugby league.

There is some rain forcast for during the day, not heavy, but showers and Leeds do enjoy playing in these conditions. Its a lot tougher to stop Burrow and McGuire when the pitch is wet and they do seem to save their best performances for night games.

I expect Peacock to be the man of the match but with Wigan defending that right hand edge quite poorly in recent games, big Ali Lauitiiti should run him close.

Leeds-4.5 to beat Wigan with skybet at 1.91