Salford Red Devils vs Huddersfield Giants Preview

The Lowdown

SALFORD RED DEVILS

• Salford blew a 16-point lead with eight minutes left as they were defeated away at St. Helens last week, with a Matty Smith drop goal on the hooter meaning Salford didn't even come away with a point.
• Ian Watson is boosted by the return of Olsi Krasniqi and George Griffin, with Jake Bibby and Ryan Lannon the men who make way from the 19-man squad.
• A win here for Salford would leave them in a great position to claim a place in the top 4 come the end of the regular season, despite losing their last three Super League games.

Head Coach: Ian Watson

Squad: Kriss Brining, Todd Carney, Michael Dobson, Niall Evalds, Mark Flanagan, George Griffin, James Hasson, Weller Hauraki, Greg Johnson, Josh Jones, Craig Kopczak, Olsi Krasniqi, Rob Lui, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Gareth O'Brien, Junior Sa'u, Lama Tasi, Logan Tomkins, Kris Welham

Unavailable: Jordan Walne, Adam Walne, Lee Mossop, Jake Bibby, Ryan Lannon

HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS

• Huddersfield extended their unbeaten run to four games as they drew with Wigan for the second time this season, a result which kept the Giants in 7th place.
• Rick Stone has named new signing Jordan Rankin in his squad for the first time after the Australian arrived from Wests Tigers. Sam Rapira has also returned from suspension with Sam Wood and loanee Martyn Ridyard making way.
• Huddersfield have scored the last try in nine of their last 11 Super League games, and in what could be a close encounter, this may turn out to be an important stat if Huddersfield require a late try.

Head Coach: Rick Stone

Squad: Danny Brough, Paul Clough, Leroy Cudjoe, Tyler Dickinson, Dale Ferguson, Lee Gaskell, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Kruise Leeming, Nathan Mason, Jermaine McGillvary, Darnell McIntosh, Alex Mellor, Aaron Murphy, Jordan Rankin, Sam Rapira, Oliver Roberts, Ukuma Ta'ai, Shannon Wakeman

Unavailable: Tom Symonds (Knee), Michael Lawrence (Knee), Jordan Turner (Hamstring), Jake Mamo (Foot), Adam O'Brien (Foot)

Analysis - what to expect
Having lost their last three Super League games, Salford now face an in-form Huddersfield outfit as they look to secure a top 4 place. The Red Devils were their own worst enemies last week, and the final play of the game summed it up for them as they conspired to hand St. Helens possession, giving them the opportunity to kick the drop goal that won the game. Huddersfield will be pleased with a point against Wigan, but face a Salford side who have won five of the last seven meetings between the two. This game could go either way but it may be worth siding with the home side to bounce back from last week's disappointment in a tight game.