St Helens should have too much for Salford

Sky Sports 2, 8pm

Two of Betfred Super League's on-song sides square off in Salford and St Helens are fractional favourites to see off the Red Devils at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Both teams have impressed in winning their last two games.

Salford became the first, and so far only, team to defeat Castleford a fortnight ago, and they followed that with a 46-10 rout of Widnes on the road last time out.

Saints, who had been criticised for their early-season conservative approach, shook off the shackles to win in France against Catalans and then demolished bottom-of-the-table Warrington at home.

Not only did Keiron Cunningham's crew pick up an important two points on Friday, they had the added boost of scrum-half Matty Smith's man-of-the-match performance in his first appearance of the season after breaking his leg in a warm-up match.

Smith is sure to come on for the run and tonight Cunningham is set to welcome back another key man as Jonny Lomax returns after missing the last three matches through injury.

That will soften the blow of losing top tryscorer Adam Swift, who picked up a knock in bagging a brace against the Wolves.

Salford boss Ian Watson is unable to call on centre Junior Sa'u but will otherwise keep faith with the team that walloped Widnes.

Given how poor the Vikings have been this year, it's possible that form has been overrated and it should be noted that a Manchester monsoon was a real leveller in the Red Devils' 13-12 success against Cas.

Saints look to have recovered some of their old swagger in the last fortnight and won't lack motivation having been hammered 44-10 at the AJ Bell last year.

The visitors make some appeal at 10-11 giving up a two-point start with bet365.

It's no surprise to see Smith chalked up as 9-1 favourite to be named man of the match but at more than twice the price a chance should be taken on Saints powerhouse prop Alex Walmsley.

The giant Yorkshireman has been in outstanding form and could catch the eye at 25-1.

Recommendations
St Helens -2
3pts 10-11 Bet365
A Walmsley man of the match
0.5pt 25-1 Coral