WIGAN Warriors have a seven-day preparation advantage over Warrington coming into the Super League fixture at The Halliwell Jones Stadium tonight, Thursday, kick off 8pm.

Having been knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Hull KR in the fifth round, Shaun Wane’s men were without a fixture at the weekend.

Last time out they came from behind to defeat Salford Red Devils 19-12 and keep hopes alive of finishing the first phase of the season in top spot.

The Cherry and Whites have lost only once in their last four outings since a 58-16 trouncing against Catalans Dragons in France on May 23.

That one defeat came to arch-rivals St Helens, while impressive victories were recorded against top-four rivals Leeds Rhinos at St James’ Park during Magic Weekend and away to Huddersfield Giants.

In contrast to Warrington’s current injury woes, Wane has Iain Thornley, Anthony Gelling and Tony Clubb back available again to add competition for places as they look to extend their winning run against The Wire to six matches.

That sequence goes back to the 2013 Grand Final and includes a 12-4 victory at The Halliwell Jones Stadium last year.

Cook Islands international Anthony Gelling is the only one of the aforementioned three set to return tonight - after 10 weeks on the sidelines.

Gelling crossed for seven tries in 13 games before tearing his hamstring.

Ryan Sutton also returns to the squad, while John Bateman is rested.

Wigan's 17 man squad will be selected from: Matty Bowen, Joe Burgess, Dom Crosby, Connor Farrell, Liam Farrell, Ben Flower, Anthony Gelling, Dom Manfredi, Michael McIlorum, Lee Mossop, Sean O’Loughlin, Larne Patrick, Sam Powell, Dan Sarginson, Matty Smith, Ryan Sutton, Taulima Tautai, Joel Tomkins, George Williams.