The stage is set, and not even the most ambitious of scriptwriters could have dreamt of anything better, as Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers face each other in a mammoth relegation scrap on Friday night in the Betfred Super League.

Two of Super League’s biggest rivals will square up to each other in a clash that could go a long way to deciding who is relegated this season. A few months ago, this match looked largely meaningless, with Wakefield languishing behind their rivals and the rest of the division.

However, an upturn in return results and Castleford’s dip in form means Friday’s battle could be one of the most historic in Super League. After Friday’s game, both sides still have five matches to play, but a defeat could be disastrous at this stage of the campaign.

Wakefield will have home advantage, but Castleford have the third coach of the season, Danny Ward, in the dugout for the first time.

Team news

Wakefield boss Mark Applegarth will be without Samisoni Langi after he picked up an injury during the 42-4 defeat to Hull FC. Josh Griffin has been named in the 21-man squad for the first time since returning to the club in July after he was forced to serve a seven-match ban.

Ward has made two changes to Castleford’s squad after their 28-0 defeat to Huddersfield Giants. Will Tate and Alex Sutcliffe have dropped out of the team, with Jordan Turner and Blake Austin coming into the squad, with the latter set to make his debut after a loan move from Leeds Rhinos.

Castleford Tigers +4 handicap @ 5/6

Confidence will be low in both camps, even though Wakefield’s form is slightly better than that of Castleford.

The Tigers have lost five games on the spin, failing to score in two of those, but a new coach may do them the world of good.

Wakefield have won four of their last seven, but they were humbled by Hull FC last week, and a 42-4 defeat undoes some of their recent work.

Castleford have won on their last eight visits to Wakefield, with Trinity’s previous win at home against the Tigers coming back in September 2013.

With Friday’s game being Ward’s first, there is every chance he gets a huge lift from his players, and the addition of Austin should add some class to their halves.

The two sides last met in April, with the Tigers outclassing Wakefield on that occasion, winning 16-4 at home.

Innes Senior to score anytime @ EVS

With both teams expected to feel the nerves, we expect a high-scoring encounter on Friday, and Wakefield winger Senior should get himself on the scoresheet.

The 23-year-old has scored five tries in his last two matches and, if the game opens up, he has what it takes to take full advantage.