Catalans Dragons vs Wigan Warriors Predictions: Field & French to be the winning double-act?

Wigan Warriors' pursuit of the top spot in Betfred Super League continues in the south of France on Saturday against a Catalans Dragons side now in real danger of slipping out of the playoff picture altogether (kick-off 20:00 BST, 21:00 local, live on Sky Sports Action).

Steve McNamara's Dragons have just one point's worth of protection from an in-form Leigh Leopards hot on their heels in the play-off chase, but will need to find some of their very best form to deny the champions in Perpignan.

Catalans Dragons vs Wigan Warriors Odds

The Dragons are 11/5 to get a win to boost their play-off ambitions, implying only a 31.3% probability of them getting the job done. The world champions are huge 4/11 favourites as they look to ramp up their hopes of claiming the League Leaders' Shield ahead of next Friday's clash with Hull KR at the Brick. It's 18/1 for this one to go to extra-time.

Team News

The headline team news from either side is the inclusion by Wigan of star man Bevan French. The 28-year-old has missed the last seven matches since suffering a hamstring injury in July but returns to the squad for the trip to France.

Forward Kaide Ellis also makes the squad after a one-match ban and is in line for his 100th career appearance. Still out, though, is England half-back Harry Smith, who serves the final game of a three-match ban.

Noah Hodkinson and Nathan Lowe drop out of the squad but academy prospect Kian McDermott keeps his place.

Rugby League Odds

Catalans name Ben Lam in their squad for the first time since signing the New Zealand winger from rugby union side Montpellier.

Sam Tomkins is still out injured so misses out on a game against the club with whom he became a legend.

Handicap 3-way Wigan Warriors -8 @ 6/5

This is the business end of the season, and that is a time when the Wigan engine starts to purr and click up through the gears.

The Dragons' form - or lack of it - has been one of the more perplexing narratives of a fascinating season to date, and I feel the Warriors will rise to the occasion at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.

Wigan have only conceded one try in their last two matches since a startling loss at Leeds Rhinos, and that kind of defence could make this a difficult afternoon for the home side and their passionate fanbase.

Catalans, meanwhile, have lost three of their four games through August and scored only two tries in their last two matches. Confidence will be low and I feel Wigan can take advantage.

It's a repeat of last year's Grand Final of course, won 10-2 by Wigan in what was supposed to be Sam Tomkins' farewell.

There's no Tomkins this time despite his retirement u-turn, but no change in fortunes for the Dragons either.

Jai Field anytime tryscorer @ 6/5

While Bevan French's return may grab most of the attention, I always like Jai Field for a try when the weather is good and the ground is firm.

The Warriors full-back has gone four matches without a score since crossing in the win over Huddersfield at the start of August,

That is far too long a barren run for such a devastating finisher and I fancy this to be Field and Wigan's day - especially if his mate French does make his return.

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