Who’s set for QF delight and despair in Ladbrokes Challenge Cup?
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The heavy hitters are all involved as the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup heads into the Quarter-Final stage this weekend, with the top five in Super League each bidding for cup glory.
So, how do we see these four fantastic ties going?
Salford Red Devils v Wakefield Trinity (Thursday, 20:00)
The Red Devils are enduring a mini-wobble at present, having lost their last two games, including a 34-24 defeat to Wakey at the AJ Bell Stadium. As for the visitors, they’ve already chalked up a number of impressive wins on the road this term – including a 42-30 win at Wigan Warriors at the end of May.
Having breezed into a comfortable lead by the interval last time they visited Salford, we like the 3/1 on offer for Half-Time/Full-Time: Wakefield/Wakefield.
Winner: Wakefield
Leeds Rhinos v Featherstone Rovers (Friday, 20:00)
The Colliers have enjoyed an excellent run to reach this point, knocking out three of their Championship rivals along the way. But realistically, there’s no way they’re going to overcome Leeds at Headingley – as exciting as such an underdog story would be.
Having won three of their last four in Super League – including a 40-0 mauling of Warrington Wolves – everything points to a comprehensive home win. And we think those who back Leeds -30 in the handicap at odds of 10/11 will be duly rewarded.
Winner: Leeds (by a country mile)
Warrington Wolves v Wigan Warriors (Saturday, 15:00)
Shaun Wane’s side edged out Warrington in 2016’s Super League Grand Final, and it’s a result the Wolves don’t seem to have recovered from yet. Combine that with the fact they haven’t beaten Wigan in four meetings, and it’s the visitors who look primed for victory.
Admittedly, neither side is in the best form of late, but having grabbed wins on the road at Wakefield and Salford in recent months, we fancy Wigan to edge it. As for a tip, we think the even-money for Wigan -4 could be a very savvy bet.
Winner: Wigan
Hull FC v Castleford Tigers (Sunday, 15:00)
It’s a testament to just how good Cas have been of late that last year’s Challenge Cup winners Hull FC are 7/4 shots to win this clash on their own patch, with Daryl Powell’s men 1/2 to come out on top.
The Airlie Birds did edge the last meeting 30-24, but six wins on the bounce for the visitors since then means that Castleford are a trickier proposition this time around. Still, several of those wins have been close-run things, so the 5/1 for Cas to win by 1-5 points could offer a handsome payout.
Winner: Cas. Just about.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
