Catalans Dragons vs Salford Red Devils Predictions: Back the away win

Having blown hot and cold all year, it was the former for the Catalans Dragons last week in an impressive win at Hull KR. Next up for Steve McNamara’s side is the visit of a red-hot Salford Red Devils team who have jumped up to join three other teams in second spot in the Betfred Super League table thanks to a run of four straight wins (kick-off 17:30).

The Dragons are two points behind Salford and this fixture could prove key in the jostle for play-off positions. Read on for my Catalans Dragons vs Salford Red Devils prediction as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Rugby League Odds

Team News

Salford make just one change to their squad and it is good news in the centres, where first-choice pair Tim Lafai and Nene Macdonald were absent from last week’s narrow win over Hull FC.

Macdonald is the man who is ready for an immediate return after his muscle injury, with Lafai still sidelined.

Nathan Connell signed his first professional contract this week and he is included again, while hooker Joe Mellor will have another go at finding that elusive 100th career try.

Full-back Ryan Brierley returned from injury with a try last week and he came through unscathed so is ready to go again in the south of France.

Catalans announced the signing of their former player Elliott Whitehead this week, who will rejoin the club from Canberra next year.

This weekend sees Fouad Yaha return to the squad along with Loan Castano and hooker Michael McIlorum. They replace Jordan Abdull, Franck Maria and Yacine Ben Abdelsem.

Catalans Dragons vs Salford Red Devils Odds

Catalans are 1/3 - or a 75% chance - to win in 80 minutes, while Salford are 5/2 and the draw is 18/1.

Match Winner (80 Minutes) - Salford @ 5/2

Meetings between these two sides often produce points, and have seen an even split in fortunes over the years. Of their 38 Super League meetings, the Dragons have won 20 to Salford’s 17, with the other drawn. But fresh in the Red Devils’ memories will be last summer’s 42-0 thumping at the Stade Gilbert Brutus as the home side were untouchable.

This is strangely the first meeting of the teams so far this season, with two of last year’s contests being won by the French side.

So those stats and scorelines would suggest this will be a Catalans win, and indeed the market very much suggests that too. At home, in the summer, with their passionate home support, the Dragons are a tough nut to crack – as Rowley’s men found out to their cost last July.

But I have never been a huge fan of logic. Salford have had some stinkers on the road this year – losing at Castleford, losing 40-12 at Leigh and limping out of the cup at Hull KR.

I genuinely think the Red Devils could either get another hiding, or win the match. That is down to how they play – if the open, off-the-cuff rugby works this weekend then I can see a surprise in Perpignan. If it doesn’t, they could get walloped again.

But I’m going for Rowley’s men to win a fifth match on the spin and keep up the pressure at the top of the table.

Chris Hankinson anytime tryscorer @ 9/4

Catalans winger Tom Johnstone and Salford centre Chris Hankinson were our two anytime try scorer selections for these two teams last weekend and both landed, at 5/4 and 1/1 respectively.

There isn’t a great deal of value in the Catalans scorer market this week, such is the expectation of a home win. Johnstone for example is 4/7 to score anytime which does not appeal, and my Dragons selections would instead be the two Arthurs – Mourgue and Romano, who are both available at 7/4.

But given I am backing the underdog this week, I will stick with the visitors on the try scorer bet too. Chris Hankinson and Ryan Brierley both scored last week and are 9/4 shots to cross this week too. That pair, plus the returning Nene Macdonald, are all available at 9/4 to score a try in 80 minutes so take your pick.

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