Why should I watch?
The Wire are moving along pretty nicely and have the chance to extend their winning run to five games on Saturday.
The team has been pretty settled during that run, but it will be interesting to see how Steve Price’s men cope without Ben Murdoch-Masila.
Signed from Saturday’s opponents at the end of 2017, the Tongan international has recently been showing more of the form that got him into last year’s Super League Dream Team but is now set to miss up to four weeks with a knee injury.
Whether Price brings in a fourth forward to replace Murdoch-Masila on the bench or goes with Morgan Smith as an interchange hooker may well depend on the weather, with Wolves hoping for drier conditions than Monday’s win on Castleford’s quagmire of a pitch.
With Salford having won three of their four home games this season, Ian Watson’s side are a tough test for anyone on their own turf.
Will we see a return for Morgan Smith tomorrow? Picture by Mike Boden
What they’ve said:
“We can’t control what’s happened in weeks before this one.
“It’s about Salford this weekend, putting in a strong performance there and keep slowly getting better.
“We haven’t done anything yet. It’s important that we keep backing it up and put in a really strong performance on Saturday.”
Steve Price, Warrington Wolves head coach (Picture by Mike Boden)
“We’re confident in some of the younger lads we have. We’re a small squad and we can’t put too much pressure on guys.
“We do need some more depth, but it has to be quality.
“Jake Shorrocks looks very sharp. We need to have a look at him in our systems.”
Ian Watson, Salford Red Devils head coach.
Numbers game:
Daryl Clark looks set to make his 200th career appearance tomorrow.
As well as playing 98 games for The Wire, Clark has played 94 times for Castleford, six games for England and one for England Knights.
Daryl Clark looks set to hit a big milestone tomorrow. Picture by Mike Boden
Warrington team news:
As previously mentioned, The Wire will be without Ben Murdoch-Masila for up to four weeks after he picked up a knee injury against Castleford.
His place in the squad has been taken by Morgan Smith and that is the only change to Steve Price’s 19-man selection.
Bryson Goodwin is also back in contention after missing Monday’s win through illness.
Squad: Sitaleki Akauola, Ryan Atkins, Kevin Brown, Josh Charnley, Daryl Clark, Mike Cooper, Dom Crosby, Ben Currie, Bryson Goodwin, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, George King, Toby King, Tom Lineham, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Tyrone Roberts, Morgan Smith, Ben Westwood.
Bryson Goodwin looks set to return from illness. Picture by Mike Boden
Salford team news:
The hosts could hand a debut to Wigan loanee Jake Shorrocks, who joined them on a one-month deal last week.
Lee Mossop, Craig Kopczak and Mark Flanagan are all back in contention after missing Monday’s 20-0 defeat to Leeds, but Niall Evalds misses out after failing an assessment on a head injury he picked up during that game.
Squad: Greg Johnson, Kris Welham, Junior Sa'u, Robert Lui, Jack Littlejohn, Craig Kopczak, Logan Tomkins, Josh Jones, Weller Hauraki, Mark Flanagan, Lama Tasi, Ryan Lannon, Luke Burgess, Ben Nakubuwai, Josh Wood, Derrell Olpherts, Lee Mossop, Jake Bibby, Jake Shorrocks.
Craig Kopczak, right, looks set to return for Salford. Picture by Mike Boden
One to watch:
Junior Sa’u.
Capped by New Zealand and Samoa, the powerful centre is usually at his best when The Wire provide the opposition.
In his past five meetings with Warrington, Sa’u has racked up an impressive eight tries.
Sa’u has crossed just twice this season, but he will be confident of adding to that tally when his favourite opponents come knocking.
Junior Sa'u, right, has a tremendous try-scoring record against Warrington. Picture by Mike Boden
Match odds (via Betfred):
Salford 13/5.
Warrington 3/10.
Draw 25/1.
Essential info:
When: Saturday, April 7, 2018.
Kick off: 3.15pm.
Where: AJ Bell Stadium, 1 Stadium Way, Barton-upon-Irwell, Salford M30 7EY.
The AJ Bell Stadium. Picture by Mike Boden
Officials:
Referee: Gareth Hewer.
Touch judges: A Martin, R Thompson.
Video referee: Robert Hicks.
Matchday ticket prices:
£20 adults.
£15 concessions and students.
£10 juniors.
How can I follow the game?
The Warrington Guardian will, as always be providing extensive coverage of this afternoon’s game.
‘Matchday Live’ will be up and running at around 1pm. Sports editor Mike Parsons will be in position at the AJ Bell Stadium to bring you all the build-up, match action as it happens and post-match reaction.
You will be able to join in the discussion with us via our social media channels, ‘Warrington Wolves – Warrington Guardian’ on Facebook and @WG_Sport on Twitter.
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