SL preview: Wigan v Huddersfield (Fri)

Going in to Friday’s showdown Wigan are just a point behind Huddersfield, after beating Hull KR last week, while the Giants maintained their fine form by dispatching Salford.

The hosts are boosted by the news that Sam Tomkins, Pat Richards, Liam Farrell and Gil Dudson all return to head coach Shaun Wane’s 19-man squad.

Tomkins, who was replaced by Ryan Hampshire against Rovers last friday, is back after illness, while goal-kicking winger Richards comes in for youngster Joe Burgess.

The Warriors will be without Matty Smith, Sean O’Loughlin and Ben Flower, which adds to the good news for Huddersfield who welcome back hooker Shaun Lunt and forward Jason Chan.

The pair have come in for Josh Johnson and Nathan Mason in head coach Paul Anderson‘s only changes as they look to take a big step towards their first ever League Leader’s Shield.

Wigan 19-man squad: Charnley, Crosby, Dudson, Farrell, Gelling, Goulding, Green, Hansen, Hughes, Lauaki, McIlorum, Mossop, S. Powell, Richards, Taylor, Thornley, L. Tomkins, S. Tomkins, Tuson.

Huddersfield 19-man squad: Grix, Cudjoe, Wardle, McGillvary, Brough, Robinson, Crabtree, Lunt, Kopczak, Ferres, Faiumu, Lawrence, Patrick, Chan, Ta’ai, Murphy, Cording, Ferguson, Wood.

Prediction: It is almost impossible to separate the sides but if it comes down to who wants it more, Huddersfield will edge it.

Stats:

Wigan’s Josh Charnley (1-2-3-2-2-2) has touched down in the Warriors’ last six games.

Huddersfield’s Danny Brough has the longest scoring streak in the game, having registered points in the Giants’ last 21 matches.

Brough’s scoring streak began with a try and four goals in his side’s 32-8 win at Leeds on 8 March.

2013 meeting – Huddersfield 22-10 Wigan (SLR3, 16/2/13)

Super League summary:

Wigan won 21

Huddersfield won 11

Wigan highest score: 68-6 (H, 2000) (also widest margin)

Huddersfield highest score: 48-16 (H, 2009) (also widest margin)