Why should I watch?

For The Wire this evening, it is all about bouncing back.

We all watched in horror on Saturday as their 10-match winning run was unceremoniously ended by Wigan, who pulled away in second place as a result.

With tonight’s opponents beating bitter rivals Hull KR the following day, the gap below Wolves has closed up again.

Victory would give them an element of comfort inside the top four again. Anything else could see their hard work over the past few months at risk of being undone.

Both sides are injury hit, with players coming in surely desperate to make the most of their chance to shine.

Warrington Guardian:

The Wire's 10-match winning run was ended by Wigan on Saturday. Will a new one start tonight? Picture by Mike Boden

What they’ve said:

"The challenge for us is to improve on the things we weren't so happy with, which the players have bought into.

"We've had some big sessions on the training paddock and we've worked really hard.

"It's a really important game against Hull FC. They are decimated by injuries too, but they are always a tough team.”

Steve Price, Warrington Wolves head coach

Warrington Guardian:

“Obviously with the injuries we’ve had in recent weeks, it certainly isn’t something I wanted to happen.

“We’re doing it really tough at the moment and it won’t get any tougher than Warrington with the numbers we’ve got missing now.”

Lee Radford, Hull FC head coach

Numbers game:

Jack Hughes looks set to make his 200th career appearance tonight.

The second rower has played 80 games for The Wire as well as 32 for Huddersfield and 75 for Wigan.

He has also played on loan/dual registration at Workington (one game), Leigh (one game) and Barrow (eight games) and has played twice for England Knights.

Warrington Guardian:

Tonight looks set to be a landmark evening for Jack Hughes. Picture by Mike Boden

Warrington team news:

The Wire are struggling in the pack, with Mike Cooper (hamstring) and Sitaleki Akauola (suspension) joining Dom Crosby (ankle) and long-term absentee Ben Currie (knee) on the sidelines.

Prop Pat Moran and second rower Luis Johnson have both been named in Steve Price’s 19-man squad. Neither have played a Super League game.

Bryson Goodwin has also been stood down due to concussion protocol after failing a head test during the Magic Weekend loss to Wigan. His left centre spot looks likely to be filled by one of Ben Pomeroy or Mitch Brown.

Squad: Ryan Atkins, Kevin Brown, Mitch Brown, Josh Charnley, Daryl Clark, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Luis Johnson, George King, Tom Lineham, Harvey Livett, Pat Moran, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Declan Patton, Joe Philbin, Ben Pomeroy, Stefan Ratchford, Tyrone Roberts, Ben Westwood.

Warrington Guardian:

Pat Moran could make his Super League debut tonight. Picture by Mike Boden

Hull FC team news:

Lee Radford’s injury list is alarming, particularly in the backs where only Jamie Shaul is available from their first-choice selection.

Fetuli Talanoa, Josh Griffin and Carlos Tuimavave are injured – as are half-backs Albert Kelly and Marc Sneyd – while Bureta Faraimo is suspended.

Add to that injuries to Scott Taylor and Josh Bowden up front and the Black and Whites are struggling.

Brad Fash, however, is fit to return, while centre Jack Sanderson looks set for his Super League debut.

Squad: Jamie Shaul, Danny Houghton, Dean Hadley, Mark Minichiello, Jake Connor, Chris Green, Danny Washbrook, Brad Fash, Sika Manu, Jez Litten, Mickey Paea, Jack Logan, Jordan Lane, Hakim Miloudi, Masi Matongo, Cameron Scott, Jack Sanderson, Joe Westerman, Liam Harris.

Warrington Guardian:

Carlos Tuimavave is just one of several Hull FC players sidelined by injury. Picture by Nigel French/PA Wire

One to watch:

Jake Connor

The absence of Albert Kelly and Marc Sneyd has allowed Connor to shine in the halves, with talk of an England call-up growing louder.

An incredibly versatile player, Connor is also equally comfortable at full-back and centre as well as being an accomplished goalkicker.

The former Huddersfield man, however, does not just do his talking with the ball. Lee Radford jokingly referred to Connor as “a horrible man” due to his tendency to get under the skin of opposing players.

Match odds (via Betfred):

Warrington 1/5

Hull FC 4/1

Draw 25/1

Essential info:

When: Friday, May 25, 2018

Kick off: 7.45pm

Where: The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Mike Gregory Way, Warrington WA2 7NE

Warrington Guardian:

Officials:

Referee: Gareth Hewer

Touch judges: M Griffiths, J Smith.

Video referee: Phil Bentham

Matchday ticket prices:

North Stand: £32.50 adults, £23 concessions and young adults (aged 16-23), £14 juniors, infants (aged 5 and under) free, £90 family ticket (2 adults, 2 juniors)

East Stand: £27 adults, £19 concessions and young adults, £13 juniors, infants free, £77 family ticket

South Stand: £23 adults, £17 concessions and young adults, £12 juniors, infants free

West Stand (visiting supporters): £23 adults, £17 concessions and young adults, £12 juniors, infants free

How can I follow the game?

The Warrington Guardian will, as always, be providing extensive coverage of this evening’s game.

‘Matchday Live’ will be up and running at around 6pm. Sports reporter Matt Turner will be in position at The Halliwell Jones Stadium to bring you all the build-up, match action as it happens and post-match reaction.

Check out our ‘Warrington Wolves – Warrington Guardian’ Facebook page for Matt’s pre-match thoughts via Facebook Live and his ‘On The Hooter’ live match summary immediately after full time.

After the final hooter, we will bring you all the reaction from the Wolves camp, plus a photo gallery and the chance to choose your man of the match in our poll.

You will be able to join in the discussion with us before, during and after the game via our social media channels, ‘Warrington Wolves – Warrington Guardian’ on Facebook and @WG_Sport on Twitter.