Thursday Night Rugby League

By The Man

Widnes v Sheffield



12th August 19:30 GMT
Sky Sports 2 (19:30-22:00)

Widnes host Sheffield in what, for them, is a must win game as far as their play-off ambitions are concerned. With a tough midweek trip to Barrow, if Widnes loses then they will have their prayer mats out that Halifax turn over Batley. That is no certainty if Batley can reproduce their Northern Rail form. So we can be fairly sure that Widnes will be motivated tonight. Add in the fact that their coach, Paul Cullen, has, this week, tragically lost his wife to her long cancer battle and I feel sure there will be a sense of performing for their boss from the players.

Sheffield themselves have a little more breathing space though if Batley do win then they will need to get a last day victory at home to Leigh. All in all it is an intriguing game as far as motivation goes.

As for the form; Widnes had a predictable dip at home to Leigh the week after their Northern Rail cup final, followed that up with a reasonable performance in defeat at Halifax before getting back to winning ways last weekend in Toulouse.

By contrast Sheffield had hit a purple patch of form with a win in France and then a magnificent victory at Featherstone before Halifax proved too strong at the weekend.

Widnes have disappointed in the main this season despite odd flashes of what they are capable of whilst Sheffield have probably played to expectations. They both should reach the play-offs but I don't see a road leading to the final at Warrington for either of them.

Handicaps for this fixture lie between 8pts and 10pts for Sheffield and I'm afraid I don't see anything to disagree with those lines. If I had a gun to me head I would side with the visitors with a double digit start. Their road form has been impressive though the extra motivation for the home team is dissuading me from a wager and thankfully I don't have that gun to my head.
 
So no account bet but make sure you read tomorrow's article, I have some strong thoughts in some of the Super League games judging from the early lines. I haven't made my move yet as I don't want the prices to move before the other layers price up as I will probably have to spread my money around.
 
The Man