Sheffield Eagles vs Wigan Warriors Prediction: Eagles can cover in Sheffield

Wigan Warriors will start out on the defence of their Betfred Challenge Cup title when they make the trip across the Pennines to face the Sheffield Eagles in the third round on Friday night (19:30, The Sportsman Rugby League).

Alex Jack provides his best bets in his Sheffield Eagles vs Wigan Warriors prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for this showdown at the Olympic Legacy Stadium.

Rugby League Odds

Team News

Sheffield Eagles have named their initial 21-man squad and have some Betfred Super League experience in their ranks.

Former Leeds Rhinos winger Ben Jones-Bishop has Grand Final winning experience that he can bring to this game, while Cory Aston, Match Clark and Jack Walker have also played in the top flight.

As for Wigan, head coach Matt Peet has a few first-team players unavailable for the trip to South Yorkshire.

Ethan Havard and Abbas Miski have had injury issues during pre-season and won’t be risked for the game against the Eagles, while Jake Wardle is also set to sit this one out with Peet highlighting the artificial surface at Olympic Legacy Stadium as an issue.

Sheffield Eagles vs Wigan Warriors Odds

The Sheffield Eagles are the 28/1 underdogs going into Friday’s game, while reigning champions Wigan Warriors are 1/1000 shots to triumph at the Olympic Legacy Stadium.

The draw in Sheffield is currently available at 28/1.

Sheffield Eagles +46 handicap @ 6/4

Wigan Warriors are 1/1000 chances for a reason and they look set to win well when they take on the Sheffield Eagles.

However, there are a few reasons to suggest this game might be tighter than some observers predict and siding with the Eagles to come out on top with a substantial +48 handicap looks the way to go.

Starting with the Eagles squad and the players that have Super League experience will know what it’s like to face the Warriors and they can lead from the front in Friday’s encounter.

The artificial surface at the Olympic Legacy Stadium can also play an important role, with the Eagles players used to the conditions compared to the Wigan squad, who play the majority of their rugby on grass pitches.

A final factor that could well prove a slight leveller in this match is that rain is forecast for Friday night in Sheffield.

That’s not entirely surprising given the northern climate, but the rain and artificial surface would make for a slippery ball and handling may suffer as a consequence.

Therefore, the Eagles look good value at 6/4 to fall on the right side of the scoreline with a generous +46 handicap.

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