Leeds value to get revenge over leaders Castleford

Leeds v Castleford
Sky Sports 3, 8pm Friday

For the first time this season the critics are questioning Castleford's credentials after the Betfred Super League leaders were knocked out of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup at Hull last weekend.

However, bookmakers are keeping faith with the Tigers, who remain 6-5 favourites for Grand Final glory in October.

The layers make Daryl Powell's team 8-11 to bounce back on Friday night and record their third win over Leeds in 2017 with the Rhinos 11-8 to take revenge for their defeat at Magic Weekend and the 66-10 annihilation at the Jungle in March.

That hiding proved to be something of a watershed for Brian McDermott's boys, who have won 13 of their 17 matches since.

The last of the victories was a 58-0 Challenge Cup cruise against Featherstone a week ago, giving the Rhinos two extra days to rest compared with Cas, who had to battle away in the Hull heat last Sunday.

The Tigers will be missing two key men in Junior Moors and captain Michael Shenton, while Leeds can welcome back Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Rob Burrow from suspension and injury respectively.

All of Castleford's four defeats this season have come away from home and all have been by a single-digit margin, so the value bet could be to back Leeds to prevail by a dozen points or less at 13-5.

It's a busy night of league action and Wakefield and Salford may be worth supporting on their travels with hefty handicap starts.

Trinity are given a 14-point buffer at Hull, who may struggle to overcome the five-day turnaround from their mentally and physically draining duel with Castleford.

Wakey were abject in their cup exit at Salford but are unlikely to play as poorly again and have four players returning from injury.

The Red Devils are given an eight-point start at St Helens which appears generous given that they are four places and seven points above Saints on the league ladder.

Ian Watson's team beat Saints 22-14 at home in March and have won five times on the road including at Hull and Wigan.

The showdown between Huddersfield and Wigan has major implications in the race to avoid the bottom four but it looks a trappy heat for punters.

Recommendations
Leeds to win by one to 12 points
2pts 13-5 Betway
Wakefield +14
3pts 10-11 general
Salford +8
3pts 10-11 Sky Bet