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Widnes Vikings vs Warrington Wolves Preview

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The Lowdown

WIDNES VIKINGS

  • Widnes are expecting a big crowd for this Cheshire derby and there is little doubting their motivation against fellow strugglers Warrington after a tough start to the season for both.
  • Stefan Marsh returns after concussion, Chris Dean features for the first time this season after recovering from torn biceps and Greg Burke also comes back in to boost the 19-man squad.
  • Tom Gilmore, Keanan Brand and Manase Manuokafoa drop out of the squad as Denis Betts' men look to give their fans something to celebrate for the first time at home this season.

Head Coach: Denis Betts

Squad: Tom Armstrong, Chris Bridge, Sam Brooks, Greg Burke, Jay Chapelhow, Ted Chapelhow, Danny Craven, Chris Dean, Gil Dudson, Alex Gerrard, Rhys Hanbury, Chris Houston, Jordan Johnstone, Stefan Marsh, Joe Mellor, Tom Olbison, Charly Runciman, Corey Thompson, Matt Whitley

Unavailable: Hep Cahill (Knee), Eamon O'Carroll (Shoulder), Patrick Ah Van, Jack Buchanan, Lloyd White, Aaron Heremaia, MacGraff Leuluai, Keanan Brand, Tom Gilmore, Manase Manuokafoa

WARRINGTON WOLVES

  • Warrington finally picked up their first win of the season last week against the Leeds Rhinos and they will be desperately hoping that win can now kick-start their season and lift their confidence.
  • Tony Smith implored his team to ignore the fact Widnes have home advantage on the only artificial pitch in the Super League and start this game fast to put the hosts on the back foot from the off.
  • Kevin Brown misses the return to his former club as he continues to struggle with concussion while Mike Cooper has an ankle problem so that sees Andre Savelio come back in and Declan Patton deputises for Brown once again.

Head Coach: Tony Smith

Squad: Ryan Atkins, Daryl Clark, Brad Dwyer, Rhys Evans, Kurt Gidley, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, George King, Toby King, Tom Lineham, Harvey Livett, Declan Patton, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Matty Russell, Andre Savelio, Ashton Sims, Joe Westerman

Unavailable: Ben Westwood (Suspended), Mike Cooper (Ankle), Kevin Brown (Head), Ben Currie (Knee), Dom Crosby (Personal reasons), Matty Blythe, Jack Johnson


Analysis - what to expect
Warrington finally got their first win in the Super League last week against Leeds and they will see this fixture against local rivals Widnes as one which they can win and put together a positive run of results now. Their injury troubles have eased and although they are without a couple, Widnes have more absentees. It has been a tough start for Denis Betts' men and it could be a long season with another defeat on the cards here.

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