Salford Red Devils vs Wakefield Trinity Preview

The Lowdown

SALFORD RED DEVILS

• Salford's season continues to unravel after they lost their ninth Super League game out of their last 10 against Wigan last time out. The Red Devils now sit in seventh place and have plenty of work to do to make the semi-finals.
• Ian Watson brings centre Kris Welham into his 19-man squad at the expense of Niall Evalds in the only change from the Wigan game. Junior Sa'u may come into the side having been named in the squad last time out but failing to prove his fitness.
• One of the main issues Salford have faced in their last 10 Super League games is their poor defence, having conceded at least 20 points in each of those games.

Head Coach: Ian Watson

Squad: Jake Bibby, Kriss Brining, Todd Carney, George Griffin, Weller Hauraki, Greg Johnson, Josh Jones, Craig Kopczak, Olsi Krasniqi, Ryan Lannon, Rob Lui, Tyrone McCarthy, Gareth O'Brien, Junior Sa'u, Logan Tomkins, Manu Vatuvei, Adam Walne, Jordan Walne, Kris Welham

Unavailable: Ben Murdoch-Masila (Rib), Lama Tasi (Knee), Mark Flanagan (Shoulder), Lee Mossop (Injured), Michael Dobson (Injured), Niall Evalds, Josh Wood, Dan Murray

WAKEFIELD TRINITY

• Despite a defeat to table toppers Castleford, Wakefield managed to cling on to their place in the top four thanks to St. Helens also going down at Leeds.
• Having beaten Salford in three of their last four Super League games, this represents a good chance for Wakefield to maintain their position in fourth place.
• Chris Chester could hand a debut to new signing Tyler Randell after he arrived from NRL side Newcastle Knights. Joe Arundell and James Hasson also return with Max Jowitt, Kyle Wood and Sam Williams missing out.

Head Coach: Chris Chester

Squad: Chris Annakin, Tinirau Arona, Joe Arundel, Matty Ashurst, Mason Caton-Brown, Anthony England, David Fifita, James Hasson, Liam Finn, Scott Grix, Dean Hadley, Keegan Hirst, Craig Huby, Ben Jones-Bishop, Danny Kirmond, Reece Lyne, Jacob Miller, Tyler Randell, Bill Tupou

Unavailable: Adam Walker (Suspended), Tom Johnstone (Knee), Mitch Allgood (Injured), James Batchelor (Injured), Kyle Wood (Injured), Max Jowitt, Sam Williams

Analysis - what to expect
When Salford pipped Wakefield to a top four spot at the end of the regular season, there was talk of the latter's good work this season coming unstuck but that hasn't been the case with the Red Devils the side who are faltering. Having lost nine of their last 10 Super League games, Salford now have a battle on their hands to finish inside the top four. Wakefield will fancy their chances of notching a fourth win in five Super League encounters between the two teams and boost their own chances of a semi-final spot.