Warriors v Reds: Team News
Wigan will be without Gareth Hock when they host a Salford side who are desperate for points.
Last Updated: 30/08/07 4:14pm
Wigan and Salford both need a victory on Friday night at the JJB Stadium, albeit for contrasting reasons.
While the Warriors need the points to push for a play-off place, the Reds know a defeat, coupled with a Hull KR win against Hull on Sunday, would see them relegated.
Wigan can ill-afford a home loss as they look to make up ground on the top six.
They currently sit in eighth spot in the engage Super League table, only two points back of Huddersfield who occupy the final play-off spot.
However, with games away at St Helens and Hull KR, who they have not beaten this season, to come, Brian Noble knows nothing but a win will do.
Gareth Hock is missing for the Warriors after breaking his hand. The Great Britain international is expected to miss the rest of the season.
His absence may allow Danny Hill to get a rare chance to impress after not playing for the Cherry and Whites in the last five months.
Scrum-half Thomas Coyle is also handed a place in Noble's 20-man squad.
Quartet could return for Reds
Salford could welcome back Andy Coley and Gray Viane as they attempt their own version of the great escape.
Forward Coley, who was linked with a move to Wigan earlier this season, did not feature last time out against St Helens.
Winger Viane missed that match due to a heel injury but could be back in action, along with Simon Finnigan, who has not broken his sternum as first feared, and Gareth Haggerty.
Recent recruit Phil Leuluai, who is included in coach Shaun McRae's 20-man squad, is set to play for the under-21s on Thursday night.
Salford currently sit three points adrift of Hull KR at the bottom of the standings. They have not won in their last four outings.
Wigan Warriors squad: Calderwood, Bailey, Richards, Barrett, Leuluai, Fielden, Higham, Paleaaesina, Fletcher, O'Loughlin, Vaealiki, Millard, Prescott, Hansen, Goulding, Hill, Colbon, O'Carroll, Mcllorum, Coyle
Salford City Reds squad: Wilshere, Hodgson, Barnett, Moule, Littler, Dorn, Robinson, Coley, Alker, Korkidas, Gower, Highton, Sibbit, Turner, Finnigan, Ratchford, Haggerty, McGuinness, Leuluai, Fitzpatrick