Wigan Warriors vs Leeds Rhinos Predictions: Remember Nsemba for another try

It's crunch time in the Betfred Super League and Wigan Warriors can take a giant stride towards the League Leaders' Shield at the Brick on Friday with victory over a Leeds Rhinos side whose play-off hopes are hanging by a thread (kick-off 20:00, live on Sky Sports+ HD).

The Warriors moved clear of Hull KR by edging out the Robins last week, while Leeds have won three in a row to give themselves a chance of leapfrogging St Helens or Leigh Leopards in the top six.

Wigan Warriors vs Leeds Rhinos Odds

Naturally, it is the world champion Warriors who are being backed by the bookies to collect the two points on Friday. Matt Peet's side are 1/4 to take away a victory which would leave them on the verge of clinching the Shield - or could even secure it if Hull KR lose at Leigh in their simultaneous clash.

Leeds are 16/5 to strike another blow on Wigan after beating them 30-4 at AMT Headingley back in August, while the draw in 80 minutes is 18/1.

Team News

Wigan boss Matt Peet is able to name an unchanged squad from last week's thrilling comeback win over Hull KR that saw the Warriors move two points clear of their rivals at the top of the pile.

Willie Isa has been back on the training pitch after his horror ankle injury in April, but is not yet fit enough to be considered having yet to do any contact training.

Bevan French has been in fine form since his return from injury, slotting back into the halves alongside Harry Smith with Jai Field back at full-back. The Wigan side is looking as strong as it has done all year and they will again be at full strength for the visit of a Leeds side who stunned them at Headingley in the summer.

Rugby League Odds

The Rhinos have a few problems though, as they seek an unlikely win that would give them a great chance of securing a play-off place.

Star full-back Lachie Miller is out, having suffered a hamstring injury in last week's thumping 68-6 win over Hull FC. His absence sees France forward Mickael Goudemand come back into the squad in the only change.

Young winger Alfie Edgell had a night to remember last week as he helped himself to four tries against hapless Hull, and he could be used as full-back in Miller's absence. That would mean a place on the wing for another teenager, Riley Lumb, who was Player of the Match on his Leeds debut at Hull earlier in the year.

Handicap 3-way Alternative 2: Wigan Warriors -16 @ 8/5

Leeds produced the performance of their season to beat Wigan 30-4 at Headingley in August. It was a performance and a result that nobody saw coming, with the Warriors woeful and the Rhinos taking full advantage.

But there is not a chance of that being repeated here. Wigan look to have fixed all their cracks, and the engine is starting to purr with Field and French back in a confident team.

Leeds will be confident too, having scored 10 tries last week and won three on the spin. With a young backline I wouldn't be surprised to see Brad Arthur's men play with no fear, and even steal an early advantage. Leeds have actually got a really good recent record at Wigan, winning well on their last two visits here. In fact, the Rhinos have won four of their last five games away to Wigan. But I just cannot see a Leeds win this week.

I quite like the handicap and fancy a Wigan win by at least three scores, so 8/5 (an implied 38.5% chance) on a -16 is mighty tempting. I'm also wary that I backed Wigan heavily in that defeat at Leeds. But trust me, it won't happen again.

Junior Nsemba anytime tryscorer @ 5/2

One of the stand-out emerging talents in this Wigan side, it has been a breakthrough year for the young forward with an eye for a try.

Liam Marshall needs just one try to hit 150 for Wigan and he is highly likely to bag that in this game. But for any value you'd perhaps look to go down the route of mystic Kris Voakes last week and take Marshall to score the final try of the game again at 7/1.

I'm happier looking for value in a hungry pack though, and with a try last week making it three in his last three outings, I intend to remember remember Junior Nsemba. The 5/2 odds imply a 28.6% chance of this one coming in.

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