Wigan Warriors vs Catalans Dragons: Champions to punish lacklustre Dragons
Wigan remain second in Super League heading into Round 19
Catalans are nine points behind the top six
Recommended bet: Wigan Warriors -21.5
Wigan Warriors will look to restore confidence and get back to winning ways when they host Catalans Dragons at the Brick Community Stadium on Friday night in Super League.
The Cherry and Whites have struggled for form of late, but injuries to key players have not helped their chances.
Matty Peet's team fell to a 32-12 defeat to Hull FC last week at home, while Catalans lost 34-6 to Hull Kingston Rovers in Perpignan.
The latest Wigan Warriors vs Catalans Dragons odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
Team News
Wigan boss Peet has made two changes to his team from the defeat to Hull FC, with star full-back Jai Field ruled out after failing a HIA last time out.
Kian McDermott also drops out, while Jack Farrimond and Noah Hodkinson come in.
Catalans boss Joel Tomkins, who was promoted from his interim role until the end of the 2027 season this week, has made three alterations to his team.
Bayley Sironen, Jordan Dezaria and Fouad Yaha replace Arthur Romano, Nick Cotric and Paul Seguier.
The stats
Wigan hammered Catalans 48-0 away in Round 12 in May, while they have won the last five meetings between the pair.
However, the Cherry and Whites have struggled for consistency this summer, losing three of their last five matches in Super League.
Catalans last beat Wigan on the road in March 2023, while Tomkins' team have lost 10 of their last 11 games in all competitions.
Fields' absence is a bonus for Catalans, with the full-back the leading tryscorer in Super League with 18 efforts so far.
Prediction
Wigan's recent form is far from ideal and it will give their rivals a huge boost, but they have been without some of the best players in Super League.
Peet's team will be just as dangerous once their key personnel return and even without some big names, they are better in all areas than Catalans.
The Dragons have been below par all season and they look set to miss out on the playoffs after a miserable campaign.
While Tomkins was given the job on a permanent basis this week, he has yet to show he has improved the team in recent weeks and they should be in for another difficult trip to the UK.
