Widnes take on Sheffield to go four points clear of Championship rivals
After a problematic Easter period for Widnes, Allan Coleman’s team have responded to their two back to back defeats against Doncaster and Barrow with three convincing victories.
Widnes was victorious twice in a week against Dewsbury Rams as they took on the Yorkshire club in the Championship and the 1895 Cup.
Another Championship game followed and Widnes put a depleted Halifax team to the sword 54-0, offering little sympathy to a Halifax team low on numbers.
Attention now turns to welcoming Sheffield to the DCBL Stadium for another Championship encounter. The Eagles are considered as a major top four rival of the Vikings despite them sitting two points bellow Widnes in the league table.
Sunday provides a huge opportunity for Widnes to put some daylight between the two teams in the league table. A four point gap approaching the half way stage would be a monumental boost for Widnes as they look to continue their impressive form.
Battle of the Centres
A mouth watering clash lies ahead on the field, as arguably the two best Centres in the Championship get ready to face off.
Widnes star and reigning supporters player of the year Joe Edge has been one of the Championships emerging talents over recent seasons.
Now approaching his prime Joe is an animal out of yardage, making post contact metres with ease. He plays with a freedom and makes his contributions to the team look effortless.
Blessed with strength and an under rated turn of pace, he has become one of the Vikings biggest threats. Last week against Halifax he was in blistering form, running riot in the second half and he will no doubt be ready to prove his quality once more.
In the Sheffield camp Kieran Gill will want to stop Joe Edge in his tracks on his return to match fitness and prove he still has what it takes to be considered the best Centre in the division.
The former Bradford man made the move to Sheffield following the Bulls promotion to Super League. Now 30 years old, Gill has an eyewatering 144 tries to his name in 190 first team appearances.
He is one of the most prolific try scorers and creators the Championship has witnessed. His experience and threat in attack will be something Widnes will have to be aware of, if they are to escape with two vital Championship points.
One thing is for sure Edge and Gill will welcome the battle head on, and supporters are in for a treat.
How Widnes shape up
The Vikings name a strong 21 man squad ahead Sunday’s clash. Forward Adam Lawton misses the action due to a suspension he picked up against Dewsbury Rams. The Powerful forward will miss three games including Sunday’s match against Sheffield.
Following a man of the match performance away at Dewsbury in the 1895 Cup, Kieran Taylor was unlucky not to make the match day 17 last weekend. This week he makes the move to Swinton on loan, highlighting the Vikings competition for places at this moment in time.
Nick Gregson returns to fitness, whilst Deacon Connelly and Frank Sergent remain patient for their first taste of league action
Jack Houghton remains hopeful of getting a call into the action following Adam Lawton’s suspension.
How Sheffield shape up
The Eagles enter the game welcoming back prolific try scorer Kieran Gill. Marcus Green also makes a return to action.
Matty Marsh and Jordan Lilley remain side lined. Both players will miss the rest of the season with serious Knee injuries, a hammer blow for Sheffield.
The injuries sustained to the duo sparked interest in Widnes Vikings Half-back Jordan Abdull, however due to a clause in the loan deal agreed between the clubs, Jordan will remain unavailable for the clash against his parent club.
Castleford Tigers forward Jimmy Beckett has also been recalled from his loan period with the Eagles. The towering middle made the move to Super League last season after being a standout in the Championship over recent seasons.
Pack leader Connor Fitzsimmons also sits out the action as he nurses a Calf injury.
One to watch (Kieran Gill)
It comes as no surprise this weeks one to watch is prolific try scoring Centre Kieran Gill. The Championship stalwart has been regarded as the best part time Centre in the game over recent seasons.
Now 30 years old, Gill remains in his prime and will look to get on the score sheet as he often does.
His power and creativity close to the line will be top of the Vikings video review list. Goal line defence for Widnes will have to be at its best to keep the former Bradford man quiet.
144 tries in 190 appearances says it all about the durability and quality in attack. Sheffield remain hopeful he will win the race to be match fit come Sunday afternoon to boost the Eagles hope of a league victory.
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