The Stats Zone
June 29 2017, 11:07 · Tom

Castleford Tigers vs Hull FC Preview

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The Lowdown

CASTLEFORD TIGERS

  • Castleford responded to their Challenge Cup exit at the hands of their next opponents, Hull FC, as they defeated Leeds at Headingley last Friday.
  • Daryl Powell is able to recall captain Michael Shenton after he sat out the Leeds win last weekend with a slight knee strain. He takes the place of Greg Minikin in the 19-man squad.
  • Castleford will be hopeful of avenging their Challenge Cup loss two weeks ago as they return to home soil, where they have won their last 12 league games.

Head Coach: Daryl Powell

Squad: Greg Eden, Alex Foster, Luke Gale, Zak Hardaker, Jy Hitchcox, Tom Holmes, Kevin Larroyer, Nathan Massey, Mike McMeeken, Paul McShane, Grant Millington, Adam Milner, Joel Monaghan, Larne Patrick, Ben Roberts, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Michael Shenton, Gadwin Springer, Jake Webster

Unavailable: Oliver Holmes (Knee), Matt Cook (Knee), Junior Moors (Knee), Andy Lynch, Greg Minikin

HULL FC

  • Hull maintained their recent good run of form as they climbed to second in the Super League table after blowing Wakefield away in the final 20 minutes of their encounter last Friday to claim a 40-18 win.
  • Lee Radford has stated that Albert Kelly and Mark Minichiello will return for this game after been rested last week. Steve Michaels picked up a knock in the Wakefield game and misses out with Masi Matongo taking his place in the squad.
  • Hull have averaged 26.6 points per game in their away league matches this season but will be up against it when facing the league leaders who have averaged 42.8 points per game at home in the league.

Head Coach: Lee Radford

Squad: Josh Bowden, Jake Connor, Brad Fash, Mahe Fonua, Josh Griffin, Danny Houghton, Albert Kelly, Masi Matongo, Sika Manu, Mark Minichiello, Jamie Shaul, Marc Sneyd, Fetuli Talanoa, Scott Taylor, Jordan Thompson, Carlos Tuimavave, Jansin Turgut, Danny Washbrook, Liam Watts

Unavailable: Gareth Ellis (Sternum), Chris Green (Sternum), Steve Michaels (Injured)

Analysis - what to expect
It's first vs second in Super League on Friday as Castleford host Hull in what is sure to be a mouth-watering contest. Cas will want revenge for their cup exit and despite gaining plenty of plaudits for their attacking play this season, it could be their defence that is the difference. The Tigers have missed the fewest amount of tackles in the league this season (389), with the black and whites missing a league high (600). In the last six meetings between the two sides in all competitions, the average winning margin has been just 6.5 points per game, and this could be another tight affair with Castleford just favoured to take the win. It arguably means more to them as they look to end the regular season in top spot but it also wouldn't be a surprise if Hull can beat the Tigers for a third time this season.