SL preview: Catalans v Wigan (Sat)

Catalan head coach Laurent Frayssinous has made three changes to his matchday squad, with long-term absentees Frederic Vaccari and Scott Dureau making welcome returns having recovered from their respective injures.

The other incoming Dragons player is former Brisbane forward Benjamin Garcia, who is still to make his debut for the club.

Sam Tomkins, Matty Smith and Ben Flower are all expected to feature for Wigan in what will be a tough fixture ahead of next week’s Challenge Cup final.

Warriors captain Sean O’Loughlin and centre Darrell Goulding will not make the trip across the Channel having sustained minor injuries.

Catalan 19-man squad: Webb, Blanch, Pryce, Bosc, Dureau, Elima, Henderson, Menzies, Mounis, Maria, Pelissier, Larroyer, Bousquet, Fakir, Paea, Duport, Vaccari, Whitehead, Garcia.

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

Prediction: Wigan are in poor form and a trip to France is not what they needed just a week before Wembley. Home win.

Stats:

Wigan have won their last five meetings with Catalan – with the French outfit’s last victory against the Warriors coming 20-12 at Montpellier on 4 June, 2011.

2013 meeting – Wigan 38-0 Catalan (SLR6, 8/3/13)

Super League summary:

Catalan won 6

Wigan won 13 (includes wins in 2008, 2011 and 2012 play-offs)

1 draw

Catalan highest score: 47-28 (A, 2011) (also widest margin)

Wigan highest score: 58-0 (H, 2010) (also widest margin)