Super League: Saints must end slump in form against bogey team Leeds
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After a superb start to Super League XXI, St Helens have hit an uncharacteristic dip in form, losing four of their last six games. Tonight’s visitors Leeds started the season sluggishly but have shown recent signs of improvement, with last Friday’s win over Hull KR a real statement of intent.
Saints boast some of the league’s hottest talents, but have been hampered by injuries so far this season.
The talented Tommy Makinson looks set to miss the rest of the campaign, but the likes of Joe Greenwood and Australian Luke Walsh have impressed during Saints’ better performances, and can make the difference against their fierce rivals.
Even without the lively Makinson, Saints could prove too hot to handle for a Rhinos defence which has shipped 262 points in 11 games this season, and whose toothless attack has the league’s lowest scoring average at just 16 points per game.
However, Leeds do have three wins from their last four games, and history is also on their side in this fixture. The Headingley club have won the last three meetings, and all by 10+ points, and backing them to win by 11-20 points tonight at 8/1 could prove to be outstanding value.
Saints are the more likely to edge this game, with the Rhinos still winless on the road this season. The Merseyside club are 4/9 to win, though the best bet for those tipping Saints looks to be on the red-hot Greenwood scoring two or more tries at 12/1.
Leeds are 15/8 to win at Langtree Park, but while the head-to-head record favours them, their recent away form will most likely see them fall short. It’s 18/1 for even stevens, but with Leeds having narrowly lost most of their games this season, a 1-5 points victory for St Helens seems a better bet at 11/2.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
