Giants v Dragons: Teams
Huddersfield will be aiming to end Catalans Dragons' unbeaten run when they clash at the Galpharm Stadium, live on Sky Sports 1.
Last Updated: 04/04/08 9:35pm
Huddersfield will be looking to leapfrog over Catalans Dragons in the Super League table when they do battle on Friday night, live on Sky Sports.
Despite recent good results both teams currently sit outside the top six in the standings.
A 24-24 draw at Hull KR last weekend means the Giants, who made the play-offs last season, find themselves in ninth spot two points back of the Dragons, who have an inferior points difference.
Jon Sharp's side will be confident on their return to home soil having beaten St Helens in their most recent game at the Galpharm Stadium.
However, the Huddersfield coach is expecting a tough battle against the in-form Dragons who are on a four-match unbeaten run.
"I think they have been a surprise for everyone considering the amount of injuries that they've had," he said.
"Thomas Bosc has stepped into their playmaker role and done really well. They have some seasoned professionals who have been in really good form, particularly Alex Chan, whose performance last week was outstanding.
"They are very adventurous with the ball, have plenty of pace and they will challenge you."
Huddersfield are likely to be unchanged from the team that drew with Rovers, meaning 17-year-old Michael Lawrence will retain his place in the centres.
Shane Elford is again missing with a hamstring injury although he has returned to training. He is expected to be back in action in two weeks.
Returning Dragons
Les Catalans welcome back David Ferriol, Justin Murphy and Adam Mogg to their 19-man squad.
The trio all missed the home draw with Hull FC last weekend that saw the Black and Whites escape with a point thanks to a late Gareth Raynor try.
Ferriol was rested by coach Mick Potter due to a back strain but should return to bolster the pack.
As well as their draw with the Airlie Birds, the Dragons have recorded home wins over St Helens and Wakefield in their recent unbeaten run.
They also managed an away victory at Harlequins and a similar result in round 10 would see them move into the top half, albeit possibly only for 24 hours.
Huddersfield squad: Thorman, Whaturia, Brown, Robinson, Crabtree, Gatis, Skandalis, Lolesi, Raleigh, Jones, Jackson, Mason, Snitch, Griffin, Hudson, Cudjoe, Lawrence, Jensen, Kirmond.
Les Catalans squad: Bosc, Carlaw, Casty, Chan, Croker, Fakir, Ferriol, Gorrell, Greenshields, Guisset, Khattabi, Mogg, Mounis, Murphy, Pelo, Raguin, Stacul, Touxagas, Wilson.