SL preview: Hull FC v Salford (Fri)

Winger Tom Lineham and prop Mark O’Meley are both out of the 19-man Hull squad for the visit of Salford, due to injury.

Head coach Peter Gentle has replaced Lineham (ankle) and O’Meley (knock) with Josh Bowden and Andy Lynch respectively.

The City Reds include hooker Wayne Godwin after injury and there is also a return for prop Darrell Griffin, who has completed a two-game ban.   

Hull FC 19-man squad: Arundel, Bowden, T. Briscoe, Crookes, Ellis, Green, Holdsworth, Heremaia, Houghton, Lynch, Johnson, Miller, Pitts, Shaul, Tickle, Watts, Westerman, Whiting, Yeaman.

Salford 19-man squad: Gaskell, D. Williams, McGoldrick, Gibson, Evalds, Sneyd, Fages, A. Walne, Jewitt, Emmitt, Davies, Dixon, Wild, J. Walne, Ashurst, Owen, Griffin, James, Godwin. 

Prediction: Although they will have one eye on next week’s Challenge Cup final, Hull should still have enough. Home win.

Stats:

Salford are seeking their first away league win against Hull FC in the  summer era – all six of their Super League victories have come at home.

The City Reds have not won a Super League game at the KC Stadium, with Hull winning all eight meetings. Salford did record a 22-18 Challenge Cup win at the stadium in 2009 however.  

Salford’s last away league win against the Black & Whites was 20-15 at the Boulevard on 7 January, 1996. Hull have won sixteen consecutive home league matches with the City Reds since then.

2013 meeting – Salford 18-24 Hull FC (SLR12, 13/4/13)

Super League summary:

Hull FC won 25

Salford won 6

Hull FC highest score: 82-6 (H, 2004) (also widest margin)

Salford highest score: 38-18 (H, 1999) (also widest margin)