Why should I watch?
Both sides have seen the best of one another this year.
The Wire won their first meeting of the season, but the 16-10 victory is a game both sides may want to put out of their minds quickly.
Wigan swept to a dominant 38-10 victory at Magic Weekend in May, but Warrington gained revenge two weeks later by winning 23-0 at The Halliwell Jones Stadium to unceremoniously dump their neighbours out of the Challenge Cup.
Following tonight’s clash, there will be at least one more meeting – possibly even two – before the season ends, so we will see just where both sides are.
A Wire victory would move them level on points with their hosts and strike a significant psychological blow.
The Wire will be aiming for a similar performance to the one they produced in dumping Wigan out of the Challenge Cup last month. Picture by Mike Boden
What they’ve said:
“It’s two quality teams going hard at it and the players are really excited. There is so much motivation for us.
“Every game is important. It is hard to say where this one ranks.
“Given that we are fighting for that second spot, though, this game is a vital one with the way the landscape is at the moment.”
Steve Price, Warrington Wolves head coach
“The game in Warrington really hurt me. It really hurt our players, as we really poor that day and they were far the better team.
“Not many teams have done that to us, but we’ve done okay since then and there’s no talk of revenge on our part.
“It’s just another game that we have to win, but a very important one.”
Shaun Wane, Wigan Warriors head coach
Numbers game:
Tonight marks a massive milestone for Ben Westwood as he looks set to make his 500th career appearance.
It will be his 426th appearance for The Wire – which will take him past Lee Briers’ mark – to go with 40 for Wakefield, 27 England caps, three England non-internationals and one appearance each for England Knights, Yorkshire, Super League under 21s and England under 21s.
A massive occasion for Ben Westwood tonight. Picture by Mike Boden
Warrington team news:
The Wire are without several second rowers for tonight’s game.
Ben Murdoch-Masila and Ben Pomeroy are both missing after picking up leg injuries in last week’s win over Salford.
Harvey Livett is also not ready to return from a knee injury, while Ben Currie is a long-term absentee.
However, Chris Hill and Stefan Ratchford are back in the fold after being rested last week and Toby King is fit to play after picking up a head knock in the Salford game.
Squad: Sitaleki Akauola, Kevin Brown, Mitch Brown, Josh Charnley, Daryl Clark, Mike Cooper, Dom Crosby, Bryson Goodwin, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, George King, Toby King, Tom Lineham, Declan Patton, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Tyrone Roberts, Morgan Smith, Ben Westwood.
Ben Murdoch-Masila limped out of the warm-up for last week's win over Salford and misses tonight's game. Picture by Mike Boden
Wigan team news:
The Warriors are also down on troops, with new signing Joe Greenwood missing with an ankle injury.
George Williams and Dan Sarginson are also absent, but Ben Flower does return for Shaun Wane, who includes several youngsters in his side.
Prop Samy Kibula and and second rower Liam Paisley could make their senior debuts tonight, while half-back Josh Woods and prop Callum Field are both still relatively new to the first-team picture.
Squad: John Bateman, Tony Clubb, Tom Davies, Morgan Escaré, Liam Farrell, Callum Field, Ben Flower, Oliver Gildart, Gabe Hamlin, Willie Isa, Samuel Kibula, Tommy Leuluai, Liam Marshall, Sean O’Loughlin, Liam Paisley, Sam Powell, Taulima Tautai, Sam Tomkins, Josh Woods.
Former St Helens back rower Joe Greenwood will miss tonight's game for Wigan. Picture by Mike Boden
One to watch:
John Bateman
Many Wigan fans will tell you that the England second rower has been their stand-out player for at least the past two seasons.
They will also hope many of the resources regained by the impending departure of Sam Tomkins should be ploughed into convincing him to stay at the DW Stadium.
Bateman has a clause in his contract allowing him to join an NRL club following this season for a set transfer fee, with Canberra Raiders strongly linked with his signature.
A fierce competitor whose metres after contact continue to astound, keeping Bateman quiet will be a big factor in any Wire victory tonight.
John Bateman celebrates scoring against The Wire during Wigan's 38-10 Magic Weekend victory. Picture by Richard Sellars/PA Wire
Match odds (via Betfred):
Wigan 4/7
Warrington 6/4
Draw 22/1
Fancy Wigan and Warrington to draw tonight? This Lee Briers drop goal ensured a 17-17 tie in February 2013 - and a similar result this evening is 22/1 with Betfred. Picture by Mike Boden
Essential info:
When: Friday, July 6, 2018
Kick off: 7.45pm
Where: The DW Stadium, Loire Drive, Robin Park, Wigan, WN5 0UH
The DW Stadium
Officials:
Referee: Chris Kendall
Touch judges: J Smith, M Griffiths
Video referee: Robert Hicks
Matchday ticket prices:
North Stand (visiting supporters, unreserved seating): £22 adults, £16 concessions and students, £10 juniors.
A large Wire following is expected at the DW Stadium tonight. Picture by Mike Boden
How can I follow the game?
The Warrington Guardian will, as always, be providing extensive coverage of tonight’s game.
‘Matchday Live’ will be with you all evening up to the final hooter and beyond. Sports editor Mike Parsons will be in position at the DW Stadium to bring you all the build-up, match action as it happens and post-match reaction.
After the final hooter, we will bring you all the reaction from the Wolves camp, plus the chance to choose your man of the match in our poll and a photo gallery.
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