Salford can make Warriors work for Wembley berth

Ladbrokes Challenge Cup semi-final
BBC2, 2.30pm Sunday

You have to go back 89 years to find Salford’s sole success in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup. The Red Devils’ last appearance in a final came in 1969 when they lost to Castleford.

Since then, Wigan have claimed the Cup a dozen times and the Warriors are 2-5 to reach Wembley for the first time since 2013.

Salford, who famously ended Wigan’s legendary eight-year Challenge Cup winning streak in 1996, are 5-2 to spring a surprise at Warrington.

Salford’s odds have been on the drift since the draw and the handicap has been hiked from six to ten points in some places.
That’s understandable given their recent run but it’s possible that bookmakers have gone too far.

Ian Watson’s side have won only one of their last seven Super League matches and have lost their last three, conceding 113 points in the process.

However, the league table shows the Red Devils three places and three points above Wigan who they defeated 31-16 in the last meeting in May.

The Warriors were badly understrength that night and Shaun Wane’s men have lost only once in six matches since getting the vast majority of their troops back on board.

However, Wigan have been far from impressive in grinding out results. Missed kicks by Warrington were crucial in the 27-26 quarter-final win and the Warriors haven’t found it completely straightforward in league victories over Widnes and Catalans.

Last weekend’s 34-0 rout of Leeds can be ignored as the Rhinos fielded a virtual reserve side.

Wigan welcome back forwards Joel Tomkins and Liam Farrell from injury but the big team news is from Salford who are set to risk playmaker Robert Lui, who has an ankle problem, and give a debut to former New Zealand winger Manu Vatuvei. He’s 12-1 to grab the opener and 6-4 to touch down at any time.

The two antipodean aces will have a key role to play if Salford are to make a long awaited return to Wembley and the underdogs can at least ensure Wigan have to work for semi final success.

Holders Hull will be the victor's opponents after they beat Leeds Rhinos 43-24 at the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Recommendation
Salford +10
2pts 10-11 Coral, Ladbrokes