Batley Bulldogs vs Castleford Tigers Predictions: Handicap offers value

Betfred Championship side Batley Bulldogs carry potentially one of the best hopes of a Challenge Cup upset when they host Super League strugglers Castleford for a West Yorkshire derby on the famous hill at Mount Pleasant.

Tigers boss Craig Lingard left Batley to take on this job, and now returns to the ground where there is a terrace named after him, with a Tigers side yet to win in 2024. (Kick off 15:00)

Team news

Castleford’s squad has been severely stretched at the start of the year and it is a major boost therefore to welcome back talisman Paul McShane and Liam Watts.

England hooker McShane returns from injury, Watts free to play after suspension, and Josh Hodson makes a matchday squad for the first time this year after injury.

Full-back Luke Hooley is in line to play against his former club and winger Innes Senior looks to maintain his excellent run of scoring form.

Batey have a senior in their side too – George Senior, while their hopes will largely rest on key men Ben White and Josh Woods in the halves.

Handicap 3-way Batley Bulldogs +22 @ 10/11

Cas have conceded 36 points a game so far at the start of the Betfred Super League season, with their most recent loss a 40-14 defeat at Catalans.

The slope at Batley always plays a part in these games, whether psychological or not, and Batley will be confident of getting a roll on when the Tigers are at the bottom of the hill.

This is a really tasty tie which could well spring an upset, especially given Castleford’s five successive Super League defeats. But there is something here that just makes me think it is actually a good game for Cas to finally grab a win. Batley and their fans will see Cas as vulnerable – they are – but they are still a Super League side and Lingard is still a very good coach.

I’m backing the Tigers therefore to come through a tight contest and progress but I’m sticking with the Bulldogs on the handicap.

Check out our other Super League Tips here.