Challenge Cup final: Airlie Birds to retain trophy

It’s the Challenge Cup final on Saturday and we have three tips ahead of the Wembley clash between defending champions Hull and last season’s Super League Grand Final winners Wigan.

Having studied the odds, we’ve picked out three recommendations including a 15/2 chance.

Hull to beat Wigan @ Evens

When Hull beat Warrington in last year’s showpiece, they went into the game in sensational form after running in 38 unanswered points at Widnes before thrashing Catalans Dragons 44-0.

The Airlie Birds may have lost to Huddersfield last time out but their win at St Helens and a dismantling of in-form Salford since securing their Wembley berth suggest they have enough to overcome Wigan, who they have won both games against this season.

The Warriors have won only four of their 11 Super League games away from the DW Stadium this term – with only one of those victories on the road having come since March – and their travel woes can continue in London.

Wigan to score the first try @ 87/100

Hull have conceded the first try in three of their last four games.

By contrast, Wigan have crossed first in more than half their games this season and in Liam Marshall and Joe Burgess possess two of Super League’s five most prolific try-scorers this season.

Wigan to lead at half-time and Hull to lead at full-time @ 15/2

The Warriors were not trailing at half-time in either of their last two defeats, suggesting Shaun Wane’s side are prone to tiring in the latter stages.

Hull have been able to call on the power of Sika Manu and Danny Washbrook from the bench in recent weeks and they, along with the nerveless kicking of Marc Sneyd in the closing stages, can help the Black and Whites complete a successful defence of their trophy.