Another round, another bogey ground as Saints visit the Select Security Stadium on Easter Monday (3.05pm). This game also serves as the first game in this seasons Karalius Cup.
Justin Holbrook makes no changes from the 19 man squad which vanquished the Warriors on Good Friday but, with the infamous artificial surface at the old Naughton Park, it would be a surprise to see the same 17 take to the field. In previous years both Jonny Lomax and Tommy Makinson have suffered serious injury in this fixture and it is likely that at least one of them could be left out in order to maintain fitness and give others a chance.
On Good Friday, Widnes took at 10-0 lead in the Cheshire derby but ultimately succumbed to a resurgent Warrington side. The Chemics currently sit in 8th place, a place you would think they’d be content with at the end of the season. They have made 4 changes to their squad with the dangerous Rhys Hanbury and Kristian Inu, along with Chris Houston and Gil Dudson being replaced by Danny Craven, Alex Gerrard, Danny Walker and Wellington Albert.
These games are always tight and with Bank Holiday wet weather set in, I’d predict the same again today.
Saints: 1. Jonny Lomax, 2. Tommy Makinson, 3. Ryan Morgan, 4. Mark Percival, 6. Theo Fages, 7. Matty Smith, 9. James Roby, 10. Kyle Amor, 11. Zeb Taia, 12. Jon Wilkin, 13. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 14. Luke Douglas, 15. Morgan Knowles, 16. Luke Thompson, 17. Dom Peyroux, 18. Danny Richardson, 19. Regan Grace, 20. Matty Lees, 23. Ben Barba.
Vikings: 2. Stefan Marsh, 4. Charly Runciman, 6. Joseph Mellor, 7. Thomas Gilmore, 10. Alex Gerrard, 14. Christopher Dean, 15. Danny Craven, 16. Thomas Olbison, 17. Samuel Wilde, 19. Greg Burke, 20. Macgraff Leuluai, 21. Jordan Johnstone, 22. Ryan Ince, 23. Danny Walker, 24. Edward Chamberlain, 26. Edward Chapelhow, 28. Bradley Walker, 30. Keanan Brand, 36. Wellington Albert.
Referee: C Kendall