St Helens v Salford Red Devils predictions and rugby league tips: Salford solid

Free rugby league tips, best bets and analysis for St Helens v Salford Red Devils in the Betfred Super League playoff semi-final on Saturday.

Where to watch

Channel 4 & Sky Sports Arena, 1pm Saturday

Best bets

Salford Red Devils +8
1pt Evs bet365, Coral, Ladbrokes

St Helens penalty first scoring play
1pt 11-2 Betfair, Paddy Power

Salford Red Devils penalty first scoring play
1pt 13-2 Betfair, Paddy Power

Match preview

Salford Red Devils defied the odds to reach the Betfred Super League Grand Final in 2019 and they are just 80 minutes away from another shock night out at Old Trafford in 2022.

Standing in their way are St Helens, who won the title that evening three years ago and who have lifted the league trophy each year since to stand on the cusp of a record-breaking fourth consecutive crown.

But Paul Rowley's men love taking on the big boys and they will relish another crack at the champions on Saturday.

The Red Devils have won two of their last three meetings with the Saints, including a 44-12 thumping at the end of July.

St Helens took their foot off the gas that day with a top-two spot all but assured, but Rowley's men were good value for their victory and have also beaten top-six rivals Huddersfield and Catalans twice this season.

Their away form in the early stage of the season was poor but they have improved their fortunes on the road, culminating in last week's 28-0 victory at Huddersfield.

The Giants were hot favourites in that eliminator and the Red Devils are also underdogs for this contest at 5-2.

Saints go off as 4-11 shots but things could be much closer then those prices suggest and Salford are handed an eight-point start on the handicap which looks a decent bet.

Powerhouse prop Alex Walmsley has been ruled out for the rest of the season which is a hammer blow to the Saints, who won't have played for almost two weeks by the time of this clash.

That may also suit Salford who have found a great rhythm in the closing weeks of the regular season and they can push the reigning champions all the way.

Such is the tight nature of these contests that both sides will look to take points at any opportunity so backing either side to open the scoring with a penalty goal also looks a value wager.

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