Saturday's Betfred Challenge Cup predictions and rugby league tips

Free rugby league tips, best bets and analysis for Saturday's Betfred Challenge Cup matches.

Where to watch

St Helens v Leeds BBC One, 2.30pm Saturday

Catalans v Wakefield BBC Two, 5pm Saturday

Best bets

St Helens -14
2pts 4-7 BoyleSports, Hills

Wakefield
1pt 13-5 Betfair, Paddy Power

Tom Johnstone to score a try
2pts Evs Betfair, Paddy Power

Featherstone +20
1pt Evs general

Preview

Challenge Cup holders Leeds have been handed the toughest possible defence of their trophy as they face reigning Super League champions, St Helens on Saturday.

Richard Agar's side got their hands on the Challenge Cup last season after beating Salford at Wembley, but the trophy is unlikely to stay in their cabinet at Emerald Headingley.

Saints have been the team to beat for several seasons, and they are likely to showcase their skills in Saturday's big game. Wins over Salford and Hull KR have come at a canter, and Kristian Woolf's troops will be bang up for the Cup, having not won the trophy since 2008.

Leeds's defeat to Castleford last weekend shows they are yet to find their rhythm and with several first-team stars out injured, they could struggle this time.

Saturday's opening tie sees Championship side Widnes Vikings travel to tackle Salford Red Devils.

The Vikings have managed to name only a 20-man squad, and with Salford coach Richard Marshall making five changes, the fresh legs should get the job done.

Experience could prove the difference in Saturday's tea-time kick-off as Catalans Dragons face Wakefield Trinity.

The French outfit have named a host of young players in their squad, and Wakefield will fancy their chances of a Challenge Cup upset.

Wakefield coach Chris Chester knows how to get results in the competition, guiding Wakefield to the semi-finals in 2016 while also reaching the final in 2015 with Hull KR.

He has Tom Johnstone back available after the winger recovered from a concussion, and with the game now being played at a neutral ground, there is every chance Chester's troops can have their hand raised.

Saturday's final match is a repeat of the 1983 final as Featherstone Rovers tackle Brett Hodgson's Hull FC.

Rovers won 14-12 that day, in what is regarded as one of the biggest shocks in the competition's history.

While history is unlikely to repeat itself, Featherstone have what it takes to make life tough for the Black & Whites.

Hull have won the Challenge Cup twice in five years, but they will need to be at their best to get past their Championship opponents, especially without the wisdom of injured half-back Josh Reynolds.

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