Hull FC vs Salford Red Devils Predictions: Back Sneyd’s boot to do damage at 7/2

Salford Red Devils are in pole position for a top-four finish thanks to last weekend's win over Catalans Dragons, but will need to win against hapless Hull FC at the MKM Stadium on Saturday to keep matters in their own hands (kick-off 17:05, live on Sky Sports+). 

The Black and Whites will hope that home comforts prompt an upturn in fortunes, but anyone who watched last week's 68-6 defeat at Leeds Rhinos will know that this is a deeply troubled side, and that weighs heavily in my Hull FC vs Salford Red Devils predictions.

Hull FC vs Salford Red Devils Odds

There's no rocket science necessary here. Salford are huge favourites at 1/8 to win in 80 minutes, with Hull FC 5/1 to collect only a fourth win of 2024. The draw is 28/1. Maybe the value is in looking at the handicap markets, with the Airlie Birds at 5/6 in the standard 2-way when given a 16.5-point start and Salford 10/11 on that market, implying a 52.4% probability.

Team News

Hull FC interim boss Simon Grix makes four changes to his squad that was humiliated at AMT Headingley, with the club buzzing off the back of new signing announcements this week. Jordan Rapana and Aidan Sezer will be on board for 2025.

Prop Ligi Sao has a calf injury, while fellow front-rower Sam Eseh has been recalled from his latest loan spell by Wigan Warriors.

Veteran winger Tom Briscoe drops out through illness and Jed Cartwright is suspended.

The four to come into contention are Davy Litten after recovering from a knee injury, Ed Chamberlain after a shoulder injury, Leon Ruan and youngster Ryan Westerman.

Rugby League Odds

Salford head coach Paul Rowley makes two changes to his squad following last weekend's vital win over Catalans Dragons.

Popular Aussie prop Loghan Lewis is back, and so too is Ben Hellewell. Influential forward Sam Stone drops out with a calf injury, and hooker Amir Bourouh also makes way.

Successful 40/20 @ 7/2

I usually pick a handicap option for my first bet, but there is something about this fixture I don't quite feel confident about in predicting a victory margin. Salford justified my faith last week with a 15-point win that easily saw our -6 tip land. But I'm a little bit more conflicted this week.

Don't get me wrong, this 2024 Hull FC team is absolutely useless. Defensively an utter shambles, and a team that is already planning for next year with nothing to play for this. But Salford's dominance this season has predominantly been at home and Rowley's men have served up some dross on the road.

If they get a good start here then it will be another stroll and the scoreboard could be ugly again. But if not, it could turn into quite a messy game.

For that reason I've decided to stay away from the handicap completely - I still think Salford win at a canter, by the way - and I'm looking at former Hull hero Marc Sneyd to kick a 40/20. He's fired a few game-changing kicks for his side in recent weeks, and was recognised by the club last week with a double Player of the Year award - from the coach and the players.

Such is his form I think 7/2 about a 40/20 kick in this game is a good price - let's be honest it is likely to come from Sneyd - and I am taking that as my first tip.

Jayden Nikorima anytime tryscorer @ 6/4

I've been increasingly impressed with Jayden Nikorima in recent weeks, with the half-back growing into this Salford team with every match played. Head coach Rowley has made a habit of assembling troubled stars, misfits and cast-offs from other clubs and bringing the very best back out of them. We have seen Nene Macdonald thrive this year in a Red Devils shirt and now former Catalans star Nikorima is doing the same.

He is forming a dangerous half-back partnership with Sneyd, but crucially showing a real eye for a try too, taking over full-back Ryan Brierley's mantle as the chief supporter of a clean break.

He has scored three tries in his last three games and one look at this Hull FC defence makes me pretty confident he will have chances to add to that tally in this must-win game for the Red Devils.

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