Wakefield Trinity vs Wigan Warriors Prediction: Winning ways return for wobbling Warriors

Either Wakefield Trinity or Wigan Warriors will complete this year's Betfred Challenge Cup semi-final line-up, with the pair contesting the final last-eight clash on Sunday afternoon in at the DIY Kitchens Stadium (13:00 BST, BBC One).

Wigan suffered a barely-believable derby defeat to an inspired St Helens fightback on Good Friday, and will need to respond well against a Trinity side full of confidence after five wins in a row. Here are my Wakefield Trinity vs Wigan Warriors predictions, the latest team news and Betfred's match odds.

Wakefield Trinity vs Wigan Warriors Odds

Team News

Trinity helped themselves to seven tries last week as they destroyed derby rivals Castleford 34-0 at the Jungle, and with no real injuries to report from that game boss Daryl Powell makes just one change to the squad this week.

That change sees outside back Jayden Myers recalled, with Caius Faatili the man to drop out as he continues to struggle with a knock that ruled him out last week. Jazz Tevaga didn't play either but is included again, while Mason Lino returned against Cas in place of the unfortunate Jack Sinfield, who has been excellent in Lino's absence. I would expect Lino to get the nod again.

Wigan have worries over two key forwards - England pair Junior Nsemba and Ethan Havard. Nsemba suffered an ankle injury in the defeat but will be given every chance to prove his fitness having been named in the initial squad. Havard, though, is out, after suffering a head knock which means he must observe concussion protocols.

So boss Matt Peet makes just one change, with hooker Tom Forber recalled from his short-term loan at Castleford to take the place of Havard. Forber played for Cas in that loss to Wakefield last weekend.

Should Nsemba miss out, Liam Farrell could revert from centre to his more familiar role in the back row, which would mean a chance for young outside-back Dayon Sambou.

Handicap 3-Way: Wigan -6 @ 21/20

It is Wakefield who have the momentum in this one, a game that is a far more tricky tie to call than it may look on paper. Wigan should have beaten St Helens last weekend, but the manner of their defeat - St Helens having trailed by 14 with seven minutes to go - may be tough to shake off.

It meant back-to-back defeats for Peet's men, having suffered a shock home loss to Huddersfield in Super League the week before, and having only edged out newly-promoted York by a single point the week before.

Some early-season wobbles for the Warriors perhaps, after what had been a perfect start to the year. Each of those defeats in the past fortnight have also seen Wigan concede 34 points too, so Wakefield will know there will be opportunities for an upset. In fact, Wigan have shipped 90 points in three matches since beating Bradford in the previous round of the cup.

As for Trinity, their form has seen them in a five-way share of the early Super League lead, along with Wigan, Warrington, Leeds and Saints on 10 points. Wakefield are proving a very tough team to beat under Powell, winning five games in a row since defeat at Warrington at the end of February. This is a Trinity side bang in form.

And that is reflected in a short handicap this week, with Wakefield given a six-point start against a Warriors outfit that most will be tipping to reach yet another major semi-final. I am one of those. With very little logic to this other than my instinct, I am ignoring the form book and predicting a return to the Wigan that we are used to seeing. I think the Warriors will win this but it could be one hell of a battle.

The two meetings last season, by the way, brought one win apiece, Wigan huge 44-2 home winners, and Wakefield victorious in West Yorkshire, 16-10.

Jai Field Anytime Tryscorer @ 1/1

There are some great options in the anytime market this week, and we are also offering our Betfred Challenge Cup Double Delight for those looking at the First Tryscorer market.

If your pick scores first and crosses again we will double your First Tryscorer price. And that could bring big rewards for the likes of England winger Liam Marshall, who is favourite to score first at 6/1. Marshall often grabs a double, which would yield you a 12/1 price!

I'm looking in the anytime market though, where one player on each side appeals.

For the home side, I have been singing the praises of England hopeful Oliver Pratt this year, and he has justified our backing on countless occasions with tries. Pratt has scored in every one of Wakefield's last six games - and scored twice in two of those for a run of eight in six.

He is on fire, and Wakefield tend to win when Pratt scores. He is 5/4 to cross again against the Warriors and will be attacking a Wigan left edge where Liam Farrell has been playing out of position and Nsemba will be missing.

And while I expect Pratt to score again, I can't bring myself to not back Jai Field. He tends to be my go-to anytime selection in games I expect Wigan to win.

In fact, I expect both Field and Pratt to score in this game so may end up backing both. Good luck!