Hull FC vs Hull KR Prediction: Martin to make mark in derby

One of the most eagerly anticipated Hull derbies in recent memory takes place at the MKM Stadium on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 14:30, live on BBC One), as resurgent Hull FC host bitter rivals and Betfred Super League leaders Hull KR in a first Challenge Cup meeting between the sides since 1986.

These are the two form teams in the British game right now, but can the Black and Whites spring a famous upset against their old foes from across the city? Read on for my Hull FC vs Hull KR predictions.

Team news

Hull FC's new NRL signing, Will Pryce, goes straight into their squad and could make his debut at the MKM Stadium. The 22-year-old takes his place in the initial 21-man squad in one of four changes made by head coach John Cartwright. Pryce's father Leon, of course, also represented Hull FC.

Zak Hardaker and Yusuf Aydin boost the hosts with their returns - Hardaker missed the Castleford game last week, while Aydin hasn't played since last month's thrilling draw against Leigh. Callum Kemp is also called up.

Veteran forward Liam Watts drops out as he is cup-tied since his move from Castleford, Cade Cust is missing with a head injury, and Will Hutchinson and Lloyd Kemp also make way.

Rugby League Odds

Rovers are without key forward James Batchelor, with Kelepi Tanginoa poised to step in.

New signing Arthur Mourgue scored a try last weekend but cannot play as he is cup-tied having already featured in the competition for Catalans.

Hull FC vs Hull KR Odds

Hull FC are 11/4, or a 26.7% chance, to win on Saturday, while Hull KR are 2/7, with the draw at 20/1.

Handicap 3-way - Hull FC +10 @ 20/21

I can't wait for this game and can't recall a Hull derby in which both sides have gone into it in such good form. I make Rovers slight favourites despite being away from home, and despite their impressive results so far this year I do feel like Hull FC are a work in progress and have a bad result or two in them.

My instinct on this one is that Rovers will probably win, but it will be tight, so I am leaning towards Hull FC on the handicap - as the hosts could win, and even if they don't, then I cannot see it being a blowout.

Hull FC haven't actually beaten the Robins at home since 2021, with Rovers comfortably winning all three meetings between the teams last year.

Given the feel-good factor around both Hull clubs right now, this could be a classic. A packed home crowd can give Hull FC a strong chance at a start here, and that is enough to make me side with the hosts on the handicap. This game feels like a really good chance at silverware for whoever wins.

Lewis Martin (Hull FC) Anytime Tryscorer @ 6/5

We went with Lewis Martin again last week and he came up trumps - so to repeat what I wrote seven days ago, we still won't be changing a winning formula.

Martin is on a real purple patch of a try-scoring run, with a try in each of his last five Super League games and hat-tricks in both rounds of the Challenge Cup so far, making him the competition's top try scorer.

So it is a no-brainer to keep the selection on Martin ahead of this mouth-watering derby.

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