Wakefield generously priced to keep tabs on the Warriors

Betfred Super League
Sky Arena, 7.45pm Thursday

St Helens have been favourites for Grand Final glory for more than six months but Wigan are closing in on their neighbours at the head of the market after their 30-10 thrashing of Saints last week.

The Warriors have been slashed to 2-1 to win at Old Trafford next month after tightening their grip on second spot, which would give them a home semi-final against Castleford, Warrington or Huddersfield.

The more pressing poser for punters is whether Shaun Wane's side can back up their epic victory in that brutal battle at the Totally Wicked Stadium with a home win over Wakefield.

Wigan go off 2-7 shots while the visitors are 100-30 to spring a surprise.

Trinity's realistic play-off prospects disappeared some time ago but Chris Chester's team have shown no sign of calling it a day for 2018.

Last time out they hammered on-song Huddersfield 42-16 at the John Smith's Stadium after trailing 12-6 at half-time. They've lost just once in their last six outings.

Wakey also have a 32-16 home win over Wigan on their CV. That came in June during an abject run of results for the Warriors and bookmakers believe the March meeting at the DW Stadium is a better barometer.

That night Chris Chester's men threatened to cause an upset when they led 12-10 at half-time but the hosts turned it around to get home 30-18.

Most layers have set Thursday night's handicap at between ten and 12 points but 4-5 Wakefield with a start of 12.5 points is available and that looks worth taking.

Not only would that have been a winning wager for Trinity backers on the previous trip to Wigan this season, the visits to St Helens and Warrington ended in losses by four and ten points.

On all three occasions Wake­field refused to throw in the towel and they can stay competitive again.

Coach Chester shuffles his side with Chris Annakin and Joe Arundel replacing Max Jowitt and Anthony England, while Wigan counterpart Wane expects to have Sam Tomkins fit after the full-back missed the win at Saints.

There's also a long-awaited return from serious knee injuries for winger Dom Manfredi, whose last outing was more than two years ago. He's 4-5 to mark his comeback with a try.

Recommendation
Wakefield +12.5
2pts 4-5 Coral, Ladbrokes

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