Salford Red Devils vs Widnes Vikings Preview

The Lowdown

SALFORD RED DEVILS

• After their heavy loss in France on Easter Monday, Salford returned to winning ways in the Challenge Cup as they overcame a potentially difficult tie by beating the Toronto Wolfpack 29-22.
• Justin Carney is stood down pending a hearing over accusations he made racist remarks to a Toronto player last week, while star full-back Gareth O'Brien is out injured so they are without two key players for this game.
• The club have received a major boost this week by tying down three more players on long term contracts with Jake Bibby, Josh Wood and Lee Mossop the latest players to sign new deals.

Head Coach: Ian Watson

Squad: Jake Bibby, Kriss Brining, Todd Carney, Michael Dobson, Mark Flanagan, George Griffin, Greg Johnson, Josh Jones, Craig Kopczak, Olsi Krasniqi, Ryan Lannon, Rob Lui, Lee Mossop, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Daniel Murray, Lama Tasi, Logan Tomkins, Adam Walne, Kris Welham

Unavailable: Justin Carney (Suspended), Gareth O'Brien (Concussion), Weller Huaraki (Foot), Junior Sa'u (Injured), Jordan Walne, Niall Evalds, Josh Wood

WIDNES VIKINGS

• Despite still being bottom of the Super League table, last week's victory over St Helens has given Denis Betts and his side a much needed boost after a poor run of form.
• Widnes will have revenge in mind after they were hammered a month ago by the same opponents 46-10 on their home turf, so that should act as motivation to bounce back here.
• Eamon O'Carroll and Hep Cahill both return after several weeks out through injury but they have lost regular full-back Rhys Hanbury to injury so they have to make do without him.

Head Coach: Denis Betts

Squad: Patrick Ah Van, Sam Brooks, Jack Buchanan, Greg Burke, Hep Cahill, Ted Chapelhow, Chris Dean, Gil Dudson, Alex Gerrard, Tom Gilmore, Chris Houston, Jordan Johnstone, Stefan Marsh, Joe Mellor, Eamon O'Carroll, Tom Olbison, Charly Runciman, Corey Thompson, Matt Whitley

Unavailable: Rhys Hanbury (Injured), Danny Craven, Owen Farnworth, Jay Chapelhow, Tom Armstrong, Aaron Heremaia, MacGraff Leuluai, Keanan Brand, Manase Manuokafoa, Lloyd White, Chris Bridge, Danny Walker

Analysis - what to expect
Salford had an off-day on Easter Monday in France against the Catalans but there were plenty of mitigating factors for that loss. They bounced back nicely last week against Toronto Wolfpack and they will be motivated in front of their fans to beat the bottom of the table Vikings. Betts' men will be aiming to string back-to-back wins together, but this is a tough assignment for them.