Super League betting: Saints to make amends

James Roby will be key to St Helens chances at Warrington.

Stuart Jones guides us through this weekend's Super League action.

Warrington Wolves vs St Helens
Despite disputing favouritism at the start of the regular season, neither of these two sides early season form has been particularly inspiring, and they both suffered surprise losses in round four.
The Monaghan brothers return to the Warrington squad after missing the defeat at Hull KR last week, but Lee Briers and Adrian Morley are still notable absentees. Wire can often get away with those losses in personnel up against inferior sides, but it's in the big games like this that they really miss the presence of Briers.

Last Friday's loss to Leeds was Saints second defeat of the campaign, but there were definite positives to be taken from that defeat, most notably the debut of Chris Percival. Such was the impression the youngster made on his debut, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him start on Friday. Lance Hohaia is also expected to make his return from injury.

I'm not convinced that there is as much between the two sides as a handicap of 10.5 points would suggest and am happy to side with St Helens at around 1.9110/11.

Widnes Viking vs Bradford Bulls
Both sides come into this fixture on the back of excellent wins, Widnes having overcome Hull FC last week, whilst the Bulls took the scalp of the previously unbeaten Huddersfield Giants away from home.

Neither side has come out of those games unscathed and Widnes will have to field a changed centre partnership after Cameron Phelps and Steffan Marsh were ruled out with injuries. Willie Isa and Chris Dean seem the most obvious replacements, and that can only be good for a free-scoring game.

Jamie Foster hasn't recovered from a knock in time to take his place, so the kicking duties may well fall to Jarrod Sammut this evening. Sammut is an able deputy, and I see no reason as to why this won't be another high-scoring encounter at Widnes.

London Broncos vs Hull KR
London may have registered their first win of 2013 when easily beating Salford last week, but their form prior to that was decidedly poor, and one win against the side now propping up the league isn't enough to suggest they are on the up just yet.

Travis Burns's Hull KR career got off to the ideal start when they pulled off a shock 26-10 win over Warrington and the former Penrith man received his fair share of praise for the part he played in that success. KR will have to do without the services of Josh Hodgson for this game, but he looks the only notable absentee for the Robins.

Broncos still have a great deal to prove for me this season and Hull KR -4.5 points looks the best value.

Recommended bets

back St Helens +12.5 points @ 1.9110/11
back over 52.5 points in the match between Widnes and Bradford @ 2.26/5
back Hull KR -4.5 points @ 1.9110/11