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Wigan Warriors host Salford Red Devils on Friday night as both sides look to keep pace with Super League’s top two.
After five rounds in the 2023 Super League campaign, both Wigan and Salford trail the top two by four points with three wins each. They sit third and fourth in the table respectively, and although we are still in the early stages of the season, neither side will want to fall too far off the pace.
The DW Stadium has been a fortress for the Warriors in recent years, so much so that the home faithful will be somewhat expectant of a win, given the fact their record at home this season is one win one loss, and they do not drop many points on their own turf.
Last weekend they snuck over the line in an unconvincing victory over the Huddersfield Giants. However, they have shown signs of brilliance in their inconsistent start to the season, demonstrated in a 60-0 demolition of Wakefield Trinity a few weeks ago.
Salford on the other hand only managed to defeat Wakefield in Golden Point extra time last weekend, making Wigan’s two point victory over Huddersfield seem like a large one in comparison.
In their three trips away from the AJ Bell Stadium, they have been victorious twice, including their own demolition job on Hull FC. Everything points to a close contest unless you factor in the recent head to head. Six straight victories for the Warriors in a run that stretches back to 2020, sees them becoming a bit of a bogey side for the Red Devils.
Wigan’s coach Matt Peet spoke to the press ahead of Friday’s game, saying:
“There’s lots to admire at Salford, They’re not going to come and roll over, we have to be ready for a fight.
“It’s business as usual for us, we want to play well for our fans and we have to be ready to go again regardless of the past.
“I don’t think the league has settled down yet, everyone is searching for consistency including ourselves, but we’re showing signs that we’re finding our way.”
Salford’s coach Paul Rowley has also been speaking to the press this week, he said:
“I Think the table will take it’s shape in the next few weeks, currently we’re not focused on that, everyone is just trying to find their feet.
“There’s been different objectives to the last two games, because against Hull we ran away with it, allowing us to leave some lads on so we could build our fitness.”
As for the team news, Peet has named an unchanged Wigan squad for the fixture, whilst Rowley has made just the one change.
Hooker Andy Ackers has dropped out the squad due to a minor injury that could see him miss the next couple of weeks, however, he is replaced by winger and former Wigan star Joe Burgess, who is returning from injury.
The two 21-man squads in full are below:
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Matt Peet has confirmed an unchanged 21-man squad for Friday's @SuperLeague clash with @SalfordDevils at the DW Stadium!
? Read more ? https://t.co/5elEMcFpYf#WWRL #SLWIGSAL pic.twitter.com/ZLpDFMbLAw
— Wigan Warriors ?⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) March 22, 2023
? Paul Rowley has named a 21-man squad to take on @WiganWarriorsRL in Round 6⃣ on Friday!
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— Salford Red Devils ? (@SalfordDevils) March 22, 2023
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