Challenge Cup acca tips and best bets: Hull KR to win and a close contest between Saints and Warrington

The two ties selected for broadcast on BBC 2 are St Helens vs Warrington Wolves and Hull KR vs Leigh Leopards, who met in last year’s final.

St Helens vs Warrington is the pick of the two, as both sides have been challenging at the top of the Super League this season.

Elsewhere, Catalans Dragons host Huddersfield Giants after they defeated St Helens last weekend and Wigan Warriors take on Castleford Tigers.

Here, we take a look at each quarter-final clash in the Challenge Cup acca this week.

Hull KR vs Leigh Leopards (Sat 1700 GMT)

A lot has changed since last year’s final where Leigh Leopards defeated Hull KR 17-16 after the game went to golden point extra-time.

Leigh have struggled so far this season and since their cup victory over Hull, they have only managed to win four out of their last 14 games in all competitions.

Hull KR have gone in the other direction, winning 12 of their last 16 in all competitions since their defeat to Leigh in the final.

Rovers have also been scoring big with over 30 points scored in their last three matches, including their 40-0 victory over Salford in the last round.

Adrian Lam’s side have not really got going so far this season, their only victories coming against a struggling Hull FC side and Championship side Featherstone in the last round.

Despite the results, the performances have been improving with Leigh looking good in patches but they will need more if they are to beat Hull KR.

Hull KR have played some great rugby this season and have made their place Craven Park a tough place to visit.

When Leigh visit, we expect a lot of tries but Rovers should come out on top in this affair.

TIP: Hull KR to win

 

Catalans Dragons vs Huddersfield Giants (Sat, 1900 GMT)

Catalans defeated St Helens in a shock victory last week that sent them to the top of the Super League table.

The Dragons have been in superb form with five wins on the bounce and only one loss coming against Leeds Rhinos so far this season.

Catalans defeated second tier side Halifax in the last round and Huddersfield face a tough contest when they visit the Stade Gilbert Brutus this weekend.

However, after a mixed start the Giants have been in good form winning their last three scoring 132 points across those games, including their last round victory over Hull FC.

Catalans look unbeatable though and should come out on top in this contest but expect a good fight from the visitors.

TIP: Catalans Dragons to win

 

Castleford Tigers vs Wigan Warriors (Sun, 1500 GMT)

The Tigers head into this match off the back of their first Super League victory against Salford.

It was their second victory of the season after defeating second tier side Batley in the last round of the cup.

Recently, they have made The Jungle a difficult place to go with a great performance despite defeat against Leeds Rhinos before beating Salford.

Wigan will find it tough when they visit but they have only lost once this season, when they faced St Helens in a tight affair.

The Cherry and Whites have had some big winning margins this season including their 44-18 victory against Championship side Sheffield in the last round of the cup.

However, considering that the game is to be played at The Jungle, we are backing this match to be a close affair but Wigan will still come out on top.

TIP: Winning margin 1-12 points

St Helens vs Warrington Wolves (Sun, 1630 GMT)

The biggest game of them all, two giants clash in this tasty affair as we expect a close contest.

Saints will be picking themselves up after defeat to the Catalans and looking to lift spirits by progressing in the cup.

St Helens beat Leeds Rhinos in the last round and when they are at the best they look unbeatable.

However, as we have seen already so far this season, they have been edged out in a couple of thrilling matches decided by just a few points.

Wire have only lost twice this season, both times to Catalans, and consistently score big in their games.

They are the Super League’s biggest hitters, scoring 214 points this season, and they have the league’s fifth best defence.

A lot of points are expected in this contest but we believe it will still be a close winning margin like most of St Helens games have been so far this season.

TIP: Winning margin 1-12 points