Super League: Round 5 - Bradford Bulls v Salford City Reds

Bradford Bulls v Salford City Reds (+10/12pts)

My main bet of Round 5 comes in the shape of Bradford -10pts versus the Salford City Reds. Salford have bagged only one victory in the first four opening games and have been far from convincing. I see them struggling on a dry and wide Odsal surface against the Bulls gunning for top spot.

As mentionned previous, Salford are a punters dream when playing at home. Teams find it difficult to find space against them at the Willows and games are often closely fought encounters (1-10pts).

The same cannot be said when they play away from home, especially against the bigger clubs, Bradford being one of them. Their previous three visits to Odsal dont make for happy reading; bruising defeats of 52 v 6, 34 v 4, 58 v 12 means it would be a brave man to back them today.

Yet, Bradford havent been at their best thus far, despite claiming 3 wins from 4. I just feel that their back line combination of Solomona, Hape and Vainikolo (pictured) will prove too strong for the City Reds, resulting in a comfortable victory for the home side.

Hooker, Ian Henderson is starting his first match for the Bulls as a result of Terry Newton's suspension. In my opinion Henderson offers the Bulls far more in attack and would pick him infront of the thug, Newton anyday. Henderson will see today as his chance to shine at the expense of the Salford.

Bradford -10pts and a saver on the handicap tie.

Bradford (from): Morrison, Burgess, McKenna, Cook, I. Harris, McAvoy, Evans, St Hilaire, B. Harris, Langley, Kopczak, Feather, Deacon, Vagana, Vainikolo, Hape, Solomona, Platt, Lynch, Henderson.

Salford (from): Hodgson, McGuinness, Wilshere, Dorn, Robinson, Coley, Alker, Korkidas, Edmondson, Finnigan, Viane, Brocklehurst, Haggerty, Adamson, Littler, Gower, Halliwell, Turner, Jewitt, Williams.

Recommendation – Bradford -10pts @ betfred 1.90 (3pts)

Prediction - Bradford 36 v Salford 10

(Scale 1-5)

Good luck all!!