Betfred Super League: Castleford v Wigan tips, betting preview & TV details

TV: Sky Sports Arena, 7.45pm Friday

A fortnight ago Castleford would have been strong favourites to beat Wigan at home but back-to-back losses for the Tigers, coupled with consecutive wins for the Warriors, have given the betting market a different look going into the Betfred Super League champions' trip to the Jungle.

Bookmakers now make it pretty much a take-your-pick affair as Cas look to bounce back from the agony of their golden-point extra-time loss at Leeds and the embarrassment of their home hiding at the hands of St Helens.

It’s not just Castleford's recent results that have shifted the odds – the three-match suspension of Paul McShane is a real body blow and the hooker joins Luke Gale, Jordan Rankin, Mike McMeeken, Jamie Ellis and Junior Moors on the sidelines.

Wigan are without Liam Farrell, Tony Clubb and Sam Powell, but they have Joe Greenwood back from a ban and hope to have captain Sean O'Loughlin returning from injury.

The Warriors' 42-0 rout of Catalans was their biggest Super League success since they demolished Wakefield 60-12 in August 2016, but it may be wise not to get carried away too soon and Adrian Lam's team still look a long way short of the standard being set by St Helens and Warrington.

However, given the personnel on the pitch for this match, the visitors have to be the pick with a two-point start.

Punters are warned not to count their winnings before the full-time siren, though. Last year Wigan lost the corresponding fixture to a last-minute drop goal and were beaten by a last-gasp Tigers try in 2014.

The best bet on the card comes at Wakefield, where the hosts look good business to see off Hudders­field by more than four points.

The Giants have won three of their last four games but all their victims are in the bottom five and even without injured stars Tom Johnstone and Bill Tupou, Trinity should be too strong.

Chris Chester's team are notoriously difficult to beat on their own midden. They have already enjoyed victories by double-digit margins over Catalans and Salford and would have upset Warrington too if Danny Brough hadn't had an off-night with the boot.

The Wolves themselves have a great chance to leapfrog St Helens at the Super League summit.

Victory by 14 points or more at home to London will put Steve Price's men top of the pile, but punters will need the favourites to win by more than double that to collect on handicap wagers.

The Broncos have shown plenty of resilience on their travels this season so it looks a match to leave alone.

Recommendations
Wigan +2
2pts 10-11 Betfred
Wakefield -4
4pts 5-6 Hills

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport