Leeds Rhinos vs Wigan Warriors Predictions: Keighran and Wigan to continue improved form

Two of rugby league’s most famous names meet on Saturday but few will feel Leeds Rhinos have enough to conquer champions Wigan Warriors right now, in a crucial contest at AMT Headingley (kick-off 15:00 BST, live on Sky Sports Action).

The Warriors have been nip and tuck with Hull Kingston Rovers and Warrington Wolves at the top of the table while the Rhinos’ defeat at Salford Red Devils last week leaves their already slender play-off hopes hanging by a very thin and unreliable thread. My Leeds Rhinos vs Wigan Warriors predictions don't offer them much hope.

Leeds Rhinos vs Wigan Warriors Odds

The Rhinos' late run for a play-off spot could do with a win here, but Betfred have them at 19/10 to get such a job done in 80 minutes. Wigan are 4/9 favourites, while it's 18/1 for a draw. That implies a 34.5% chance of Leeds picking up the two points.

Team News

Leeds boss Brad Arthur is forced into a few changes after last week’s defeat at Salford in which his side raced into a 10-0 lead but fell away badly.

England prop Mikolaj Oledzki left the Salford Community Stadium field in a lot of pain and the big forward is ruled out this week with that rib injury. Captain Cameron Smith was sin-binned during that game and will serve a one-match ban on Saturday, while the unused Luis Roberts drops out of the squad.

Injury-prone winger David Fusitu’a is back in contention, although whether he is fit to play remains to be seen, while there are recalls to the squad for young hooker Corey Johnson and forward Ben Littlewood, who could be in line for his senior debut.

Rugby League Odds

Wigan played in midweek and may have one eye on their next fixture when they face St Helens in the big derby, but again name a strong squad for the trip to West Yorkshire.

The headline squad news for the Warriors is the inclusion of Jai Field, who was rested for the rearranged midweek win over Leigh. He is expected to start at full-back.

Bevan French remains absent in a squad that is unchanged. Boss Matt Peet may well opt to rotate his squad for this their third match in 10 days, and with one eye on next week’s derby.

Handicap 3-way Alternative 3: Wigan -12 @ 11/5

This fixture last season saw Wigan win 50-0. Leeds have not shown any real sign of improvement since then despite the departure of head coach Rohan Smith, while Wigan have gone on to accumulate every club rugby league honour in winning the League Leaders’ Shield, Grand Final, Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge.

The only crumb of comfort I give for Leeds fans here is the fixture pile-up that Wigan are in the middle of, meaning there are going to be some bruised and depleted bodies out there.

That gives the Rhinos a chance, certainly if they can find the fizz that saw them race into a decent early lead last weekend at Salford.

But even without Bevan French and with some tired legs and probable squad rotation, I expect Wigan to take the two points and feel that the handicap this week may actually be pretty kind.

I would expect Wigan to win by two to three scores and am happy enough with the 11/5 on a -12 start to back the Warriors here.

Adam Keighran anytime tryscorer @ 6/4

Wigan’s win against Leigh on Tuesday night saw both of our tips come in as the Warriors overcame the -8 handicap to land at 20/21 and Super League’s form centre Jake Wardle obliged with a try at 5/4.

And it is in the centres where I think Wigan can hurt Leeds again here. Wardle is a good shout once more but I am going to switch to the other side where Leeds were punished by former players Kallum Watkins and Nene Macdonald last week. The Red Devils targeted the Rhinos' left defensive edge and got great joy from it.

Keighran could even find himself switched into the halves this weekend should Peet decide to rest a few bodies, but either way he has looked a good shout for points and is reasonable value at 6/4.

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