Leeds Rhinos vs Hull FC Predictions: Rhinos romp in play-off push?

The battle for play-off places in Betfred Super League hots up on Friday with a fierce battle for a spot in the top six, and Leeds Rhinos know they simply have to beat struggling Hull FC at AMT Headingley to give themselves a chance (20:00 BST, live on Sky Sports+).

The Rhinos slipped to eighth last week despite another golden-point win over bottom club London Broncos, but just two points separate Leeds and St Helens up in fourth. Here are my Leeds Rhinos vs Hull FC predictions.

Leeds Rhinos vs Hull FC Odds

The Rhinos are big favourites against a Hull side who have been longing for the season's end since just a few rounds in. Leeds are 1/18 to win in 80 minutes, implying a 94.7% chance of the home team picking up the two points, with Hull priced at 17/2.

The draw is out at 25/1, which might not be bad value given the Rhinos' record for close games against all-comers this year.

Team News

Having kept an unchanged 21 for two weeks in a row, Leeds are further boosted by the return of a key man up front.

England prop Mikolaj Oledzki is back from a rib injury that has seen him miss the last five games, so he replaces France forward Mickael Goudemand in the only change to Brad Arthur's squad.

That means last week's unused players Jack Sinfield, Riley Lumb and Ben Littlewood all keep their spots.

Arthur is still without long-term absentees Ash Handley, Tom Holroyd and Morgan Gannon, along with Ned McCormack - none of these are expected to play again this season.

Rugby League Odds

Hull FC make three changes to their squad as a wretched season meanders to an uninspiring conclusion.

Jed Cartwright is back in the squad for the Black and Whites' final away game of the year, while Tiaki Chan and Matty Laidlaw also come in.

Dropping out are veteran hooker Danny Houghton, who picked up a calf injury last week, Leon Ruan, who is unavailable given he is on loan from Leeds, and youngster Ryan Westerman.

After picking up knocks in the defeat to Castleford Tigers last week, Ligi Sao, Jack Ashworth and Jordan Lane are all included.

Handicap 3-way: Leeds Rhinos -20 @ 20/21

I would normally go for the opposition when Leeds have a large handicap, given the inconsistency of the Rhinos this year, but Hull have been so bad it feels unwise to back them even with a big start.

It is now or never time for Leeds, which you have to think will mean a more resolute performance, while Hull have simply been rolling over in games with nothing to play for.

Leeds got out of jail - again - in a golden-point win at London which justified our decision to go with London on the handicap last week. But at home the Rhinos have been a more solid pick, winning their last two at Headingley against Catalans Dragons and Wigan Warriors in August. In fact, only the Betfred Super League leaders Hull KR have beaten Leeds at Headingley since April.

I see nothing to suggest this won't be a routine home win, with Hull having lost their last six games. In the five in a row that Hull lost through an awful August, they scored 46 points and conceded 178.

This game will be whatever Leeds want it to be. If they play like they have done in the last couple of games against London, then they could even lose it. But with any kind of performance, the Rhinos win this and cover the handicap.

Rhyse Martin anytime tryscorer @ 13/8

Goal-kicking forward Rhyse Martin has been a standout performer during his time in the blue and amber and will leave a huge void when he moves to Hull KR next year.

He scored a hat-trick and kicked four goals at London and can carry that form into this week too.

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