Leeds Rhinos v Huddersfield Giants predictions and rugby league tips

Free rugby league tips, best bets and analysis for Leeds Rhinos v Huddersfield Giants in the Betfred Super League

Where to watch

Sky Sports Arena, 8pm Wednesday

Best bet

Leeds to win by one to 12 points
1pt 2-1 Betfair

Match preview

The next few days could go a long way to determining the make-up of this season's Betfred Super League playoffs with all 12 clubs playing between Wednesday and Friday and then again on Monday.

Three of the six spots are already known with St Helens one win away from being confirmed as regular-season winners, second-placed Wigan closing in on a home semi-final and Huddersfield assured of their place in the top six.

But the other three end-of-season berths are still up for grabs with Catalans, Leeds, Salford and Castleford all in the mix.

Fifth-placed Leeds get the first chance to stake their top-six claims this week when they welcome Huddersfield to Headingley on Wednesday.

The Rhinos appear to have timed their playoff charge to perfection, winning seven of their last eight Super League outings under new coach Rohan Smith. Their only defeat in that run came at Toulouse when injuries and suspensions meant the Rhinos were down to bare bones.

Having taken the reins with Leeds near the bottom of the table, Smith has brought out the Loiners' expressive side to great effect and his charges have racked up 42 points against Wigan and 62 at Hull since the beginning of July.

Leeds' most disappointing showing under Smith arguably came in defeat at Wednesday's opponents Huddersfield, who still harbour hopes of beating Wigan to second place, especially as the Warriors play Saints on Friday.

The Giants are a much more structured side than the Rhinos but still have players who can produce off-the-cuff magic to break a defence.

June's 30-16 win for Huddersfield was an exception among recent meetings between the Yorkshire rivals - the previous five resulted in a draw, two one-point wins for Leeds, a six-point victory for the Rhinos and a single-point success for the Giants.

Wednesday's latest instalment promises to be just as tight but the in-form Rhinos are narrowly favoured with home advantage.

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