Betfred Super League betting preview: Wigan v Warrington free tip & team news

Where to watch

Sky Sports Arena, 7.45pm Thursday

Best bet

Warrington +6
1pt Evs general

Match preview

Warrington Wolves won two of their three Betfred Super League meetings with Wigan Warriors last season and they warrant support in the curtain-raiser to the new season at the DW Stadium.

The Wolves are the reigning Coral Challenge Cup holders but there is still a tinge of disappointment about how their 2019 league campaign panned out.

More was expected at the Halliwell Jones Stadium but their fourth-place finish was well below expectations.

Granted, they took their eye off the ball in the weeks following their Wembley victory as teams often do, but their star-studded squad will have been hurt by the way they tailed off and will be determined to make a fast start in 2020.

Bookmakers are pessimistic about their chances, though, with the Wolves 2-1 underdogs and the hosts 8-15 favourites.

Last season’s meetings suggest Warrington may have a better chance than those odds suggest.

Wire dominated their league meetings with Wigan last season and could be forgiven for losing the third as it came a week before the Challenge Cup final.

New boys Luther Burrell and Matty Ashton should make their debuts along with former Warriors star Anthony Gelling, however, marquee signing Gareth Widdop is unavailable for a week or so with an ankle injury.

For the home side, Jackson Hastings, George Burgess and Jake Bibby should get their first tastes of action at the DW Stadium in what promises to a cracking opening contest.

Opening-night fixtures are often notoriously difficult to call and the first few weeks should be treat with caution - Wigan won only one of their first six fixtures last season but still finished second.

Backing Warrington with a converted-try start on the handicap for small stakes may be the way to go for those wanting an interest.

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