Super League: Widnes v Hull preview
Last Updated: 04/06/15 11:03pm
Widnes could be set to give a debut to teenager Oliver Ashall in Thursday's First Utility Super League clash with Hull FC at the Select Security Stadium.
Ashall is in line to replace centre Cameron Phelps, who suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the 38-16 win over Salford at St James' Park last weekend.
Phil Joseph and Grant Gore have also been called up by coach Denis Betts as the Vikings look to maintain their impressive form on their home artificial turf, where only champions St Helens have won this year.
Widnes are currently occupying the all-important eighth spot in the table but are only a point ahead of Hull, who despite winning five of their last seven league games are still in the bottom four and in danger of being involved in a prolonged battle to avoid relegation to the Championship.
The Black and Whites' recent purple patch has included away wins over St Helens and Warrington and they will be buoyant after their 46-20 derby record victory over Hull KR in their Magic Weekend showdown in Newcastle.
Prop Mickey Paea believes the Airlie Birds are running into form at just the right time.
"I think we've found a style that's working for us," Paea said. "As a team, we were criticised a bit earlier on in the season for a lack of attack but it has come on over the last month or so.
"We've got to keep building but not get too far ahead of ourselves.
"The last two months has been good. We've had some untidy wins but we are starting to put games away."
Hull coach Lee Radford is considering recalls for full-back Jamie Shaul and back rower Jordan Thompson for the game which will mark the 350th appearance in the career of former Great Britain centre Kirk Yeaman.
Widnes squad: Ah Van, Ashall, Brown, Clarkson, Dudson, Galea, Gerrard, Gore, Hanbury, Heremaia, Isa, Joseph, Leuluai, Manuokafoa, Marsh, Mellor, Owens, White, Whitley.
Hull squad: Abdull, Ellis, Green, Houghton, Lineham, Minichiello, Paea, Paleaaesina, Pryce, Rankin, Sa, Shaul, Sneyd, Thompson, Watts, Westerman, Whiting, Yeaman, Michaels.
Watch Widnes v Hull live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7.30pm on Thursday.