Yorkshire derby should be a thriller

Another round of fixtures in Super League are fast approaching and Saturday night’s clash between Wakefield Trinity v Leeds Rhinos promises to grab the headlines.

Chris Chester’s men were expected to struggle this season and a place in the Middle 8s seemed likely, but the former Hull KR coach has worked his magic at Wakefield.

Wakefield currently sit fourth in the Betfred Super League table, just one place behind rivals Rhinos.

They have the same points as the Rhinos and a win at home (Wakefield 13/8 to win, draw 20/1, Leeds 1/2 – match odds) on Saturday night could see them move within four points of leaders Castleford Tigers.

Week 18 starts on Thursday night as local rivals Leigh Centurions take on Wigan Warriors with both teams struggling for form at the minute. Leigh are rock bottom after winning just one game in their last 12, while Wigan have lost five of their last seven.

Friday night’s games could throw up a few upsets as Salford welcome Hull FC to the AJ Bell Stadium, while St Helens will host Widnes Vikings.

Both Hull and Widnes (St Helens 1/5, draw 25/1, Widnes 7/2 – match odds) have the potential have to win away from home and both clashes promise to be nervy encounters.

Rick Stone’s Huddersfield Giants will enter this weekend’s fixtures on a high after last week’s 44-4 win over Warrington. They face a difficult trip to the south of France to take on Catalan Dragons, but a win could see them leapfrog the French outfit.

The final game of the weekend sees table-toppers Castleford Tigers do battle with the Wire and Tony Smith’s job could be on the line if Daryl Powell’s men move closer to the league title.