Hull FC vs Hull KR Prediction: 11/10 Rovers to complete April derby double

For the second time this month the two heavyweights from Hull lock horns in a fascinating derby, with Hull KR leading Hull FC by a single point at the top of the Betfred Super League table ahead of Friday's clash at the MKM Stadium (Kick-off 12:30 BST, live on Sky Sports Action and Main Event).

Rovers were worthy winners in their 32-16 Challenge Cup quarter-final success, but how will they respond after last week's home defeat by the reigning champion Wigan Warriors? Here are my Hull FC vs Hull KR predictions, as well as full team news and Betfred's latest match odds.

Hull FC vs Hull KR Odds

They might be the home side and the team coming off the back of a win last time out, but you can get a whopping 5/2 about a Hull FC win in the derby with title sponsors Betfred. That implies a 28.6% probability of a victory for the Airlie Birds.

Rovers are the 1/3 favourites to back up they cup success of two weeks ago and retain their spot at the top of the league, with a first-ever Super League draw between these two being priced up at 18/1.

In the handicap stakes, Hull are given an 8.5-point start in the standard two-way market, with their win odds shrinking to 5/6 in return. You can get 10/11 for Rovers to overcome the disadvantage.

Team News

Hull FC make just one change after last weekend's hugely impressive away win against Warrington Wolves, watched by a huge traveling support. Hooker Denive Balmforth is back in the squad and takes the place of Hugo Salabio, who has joined Castleford Tigers on loan for the rest of the season.

The Black and Whites are still without a string of key players including Ligi Sao, Oliver Holmes, Brad Fash, Liam Watts, Harvey Barron, Jordan Lane, Jed Cartwright and Will Gardiner. Will Pryce played in the halves in the derby two weeks ago but is likely to be at full-back, where he impressed at Warrington last Saturday.

Hull KR's big team news surrounds Steve Prescott Man of Steel award winner Mikey Lewis, who has been missing since the groin injury suffered in the last derby. His side won well without him, of course, but Lewis is back in the squad and will be given every chance to play.

Lewis returns to the squad along with Leon Ruan and Harvey Horne in the three changes made by boss Willie Peters.

Definitely out is veteran England hooker Michael McIlorum, who has ruptured his bicep and faces 12 weeks out. The other two to drop out are Eribe Doro and Noah Booth.

James Batchelor and Sauaso Sue are both included.

Rugby League Odds

Handicap 3-way Hull KR -10 @ 11/10

I was at Warrington on Saturday when Hull FC ran riot. We backed the visitors in this column given how good they have been away from home, but did so with the security of a handicap that they ultimately did not need. I was hugely impressed with the Hull pack led by try machine Herman Ese'Ese, while Will Pryce showed glimpses of the stardust that can see him light up Super League again.

If those two bring their A-games then the home side can win this, but I feel there will be a big response from Rovers to their first defeat of the season last weekend. We also backed Wigan to win at Rovers last weekend, and the champions showed their class in doing so. This week I fancy the Robins to respond with a very tricky, very hard-fought derby win in front of a packed crowd.

We wait to see how fit Mikey Lewis is, but they can still get the job done if he doesn't make it. Rovers need to keep Pryce under wraps and start strong up the middle, and with that platform I am backing their extra quality to get the job done.

Warrington came back at Hull from a big half-time deficit last week, and boss Sam Burgess was furious at the huge helping hand his side gave to the visitors. Rovers won't do that, and I can see them dominating after half-time to see through victory by a couple of scores, with the 11/10 odds suggesting a 47.6% likelihood of them overturning the 10-point handicap.

Jack Broadbent anytime tryscorer @ 6/4

He isn't one of the big names in this Rovers team but I have been really impressed by Jack Broadbent this season. He can adapt to full-back, centre, wing or even in the halves and has proven a smart finisher in the final third.

At 6/4 I'm tempted by Broadbent over the usual suspects of Joe Burgess, Tom Davies and Lewis.

You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub