Be a Hoodoo guru

Saturday 20th February 2010

If you believe in hoodoos and bogey grounds, Warrington versus Wigan is the match for you. Since the Wolves moved to their new home, the Warriors have paid seven visits and lost on every single occasion. Six times in the Super League they've been sent packing by Warrington and in 2007, they arrived at the HJ as red hot favourites for the Challenge Cup semi final and unexpectedly lost to Catalans.

If you are a disciple of the law of averages, you will back Wigan and there are other reasons to get on the Warriors with a handy four points start on the handicap coupon.

The Warriors look at peak fitness under new coach Michael Maguire and while they may struggle to stay at that peak all year, they seem to have an early season advantage in that department over other teams. I get the feeling two time Grand Final Tony Smith is happy to pace himself for a long campaign.

Warrington have scored 16 tries in two games but now come up against the comp's meanest defence. Wigan have conceded just two tries in two matches. At this stage of the year with pitches heavy, a top defence can be difficult to break down.

And even though Adrian Morley and Gareth Carvell have both got the go ahead to play from the disciplinary, I will be taking Wigan with the four start at even money with Hills and Bet 365.

In France, I'll be having a small punt on Catalans with eight start at home to Saints. I know Mick Potter's team were brilliant at Bradford but their record across the Channel is poor with only one win in five trips and this could be the weekend when the Dragons come good.

Recommendations
2pts Wigan +4 evens
1pt Catalans +8 10-11