SL preview: Huddersfield v Salford (Sun)

Huddersfield head coach Paul Anderson has made three changes to side which triumphed 48-32 over Castleford last time out.

Winger Luke George misses out on the 19-man squad with Leroy Cudjoe preferred, while forwards Dale Ferguson and Anthony Mullally are replaced by props Nathan Mason and Josh Johnson. 

Salford head coach Brian Noble has made a number of changes to his squad ahead of the trip to the John Smith’s Stadium. Props Shannan McPherson, Jordan James, Lee Jewitt, Jacob Emmitt and Darrel Griffin all excluded, as is second row Matty Ashurst.

Recently released half-back Liam Foran makes a return and hooker Gareth Owens is also brought in, alongside academy forwards Jordan Walne, Will Hope, Alex Davidson and Dan Brotherton.

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

Salford 19-man squad: Gaskell, D. Williams, McGoldrick, Gibson, Evalds, Sneyd, Fages, A. Walne, Godwin, Neal, Davies, Wild, J. Walne, Hope, Owen, Davidson, Brotherton, Foran, Dixon.

Prediction: Huddersfield are determined to win the League Leader’s Shield while Salford have nothing but pride to play for. Home win.

Stats:

Huddersfield have won their last three home meetings with Salford, with the City Reds’ last away win against the Giants coming 24-4 on 17 May, 2009.

2013 meeting – Salford 21-20 Huddersfield (SLR9, 29/3/13)

Super League summary:

Huddersfield won 13

Salford won 16

Huddersfield highest score: 52-4 (H, 2010); 52-22 (H, 2011) (Widest margin: 52-4, H, 2010)

Salford highest score: 40-6 (H, 1998) (also widest margin)