Catalans Dragons vs Huddersfield Giants Predictions: Swift’s hot streak to continue

2018 Betfred Challenge Cup winners Catalans Dragons look to reach another semi-final as they host Huddersfield Giants in the south of France on Saturday evening (kick-off 19:00 local/18:00 BST) and they will be heavily favoured to do so.

The Dragons are the early pace-setters in the Betfred Super League, sitting two points clear thanks to last weekend’s bruising win over St Helens, and will be roared on by a passionate Catalan crowd as they bid to reach the last four of the sport’s iconic cup competition. But our Catalans Dragons vs Huddersfield Giants predictions reflect the fact that they might not get it all their own way in Perpignan.

Team news

Catalans boss Steve McNamara has a host of stars back available, but two key men absent. Winger Tom Johnstone suffered a head knock in last weekend’s win over Saints so misses out due to concussion protocols, while half-back Jordan Abdull is also missing after limping off just seven minutes into the 14-8 victory last week.

Hooker Micky McIlorum is back available though, as are Jordan Dezaria, Bayley Sironen, Julian Bousquet and Jayden Nikorima.

Huddersfield are without Olly Wilson, who also failed an HIA (Head Injury Assessment) last week so sits this one out through concussion protocols. Elliot Wallis returns to the squad after a foot injury.

Handicap 3-way Catalans Dragons -10 @ EVS

The Dragons showed last week just how tough they are to beat on home soil as a packed Stade Gilbert Brutus was treated to a famous win over St Helens. That 14-8 victory was a fine example of game management in an at-times fiery tussle, and I expect the Dragons to back that up with another win here to reach the Challenge Cup semis.

Huddersfield also come into this one with a bit of form having won three on the spin, albeit against struggling sides Hull FC (twice) and London Broncos.

Catalans haven’t lost at home this year and they should extend that run here, adding another semi-final appearance to an impressive run under McNamara that has so far yielded a Challenge Cup trophy, two Grand Finals and consistent play-off finishes.

Adam Swift anytime tryscorer @ 5/4

There’s an asterisk on this one as Huddersfield’s star man is a fitness doubt after suffering a facial injury last week, but he has been back in training and I’m told he is desperate to play.

So while I expect Huddersfield to see their cup run ended, in Adam Swift they have one of the most dangerous attacking weapons in this year’s British competitions.

The former Hull FC winger has been a revelation since his move across Yorkshire, and comes into this game in red-hot form. Swift has scored eight tries in his last three games and a total of 12 in six consecutive scoring appearances, so if he passes his fitness test he will be a good bid to extend that lightning streak. The 5/4 odds imply a 44.4% chance of him scoring, and his recent form suggests that price is quite the offering.

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