As always it comes down to forward domination. I too think that we've got enough to beat Wigan but not Saints, mainly based on the number of 'special' players Saints have (ie players that are capable of stepping up another level when it really matters)



Wigan have had a great season, mainly by consistently beating teams at the lower end of the table; where-as ourselves, Wire and Saints have all had some slip ups at the hands of these teams. Wigans record against fellow top 5 teams is pretty average. They are a solid team but for me miss a bit of wow-factor (Sam Tomkins aside)



Whilst Saints (like ourselves) have had a bad run of injuries, they still have some fantastic players who can pull something out of the bag when it matters - especially up front (FGB, Cunningham, Roby, Puletua). We're missing 2 of our special players - our best back and our best forward - and that weakens us considerably.



All remains to be seen I guess, and Hudds could completely blow everyones theory by winning tonight!

Wow comments like this make me laugh



Lets take a look hey this is all against the top 5 i'm not counting the cc and play offs if you want to go ahead



Wigan p 9 w 6 l 3



The losses where

Saints by 2 points

Wire by 7

Hudd by 2



Pretty average hey do us a favour and take those leeds specs off you have lost your 2 main players and still acting like you have got to the gf we are favs for a reason and your players know it aswell thats why there trying to play mind games but it aint working

Top 5 v each other



Saints p 8 w 6 l 2

Wigan p 9 w 6 l 3

Wire p 8 w 4 l 4

Leeds p 8 w 3 l 5

Hudd p 9 w 2 l 7



So if we have been average what have you been?

You lot have bottled your 2 biggest games of the season.



The CC game game and your first play-game against a decent force.



You are now coming into a fixture that you have failed to get past on numerous occasions.



The pressure lies at your feet.



Will you guys buckle yet again?



This is a different type of rugby that we are playing now. A type that Leeds own and a type which you guys haven't yet proved yourself.



Refering to league games means nothing.

The posts was aimed at the numpty who said we was average v the top 5 do you agree he's just got owned?



I agree this is diffrent rugby then whats been played all season but the main factor for me is mcguire,peacock and burgess out for you men sinfield is not a 6 just the same as locky aint a 6 for us you are going to struggle on sat and if anyone thinks otherwise they know nothing

You may have egg to add to that pie face.



Leeds are under strength of course that will play a factor.



But mental pressure, with who-ever plays 1-17, is an entirely different hurdle to overcome. That's your lots problem. And I hope it continues this weekend.



If Brain Dead Coley and JT come with their 'A game' we'll be just fine.

The numpty has a name you know! Looks like the pressure's getting to the fans, never mind the players.



Leeds (by previous seasons standards) have been inconsistent this year, not aided by a horrific injury list - can't recall if we've ever managed a first choice 1 to 17 this season. Thats not an excuse by the way.



Our record against top 5 teams is therefore also average, a double over Wire being the highlight. Saints did us good and proper at their place, we won at Headingley. We scraped home against Hudds at our place, they scraped home at theirs. Our league game at Wigan was possibly the weakest team Leeds have put out this season whilst Leeds v Wigan at Headingley came a week before a CC semi against Saints. Needless to say Wigan won both.



Wigan have excelled in beating average opposition this season and were easily the most consistent team in the weekly rounds, thoroughly deserving the hub cap. However Wigans record in knock out games is poor - I apologise for pointing out the obvious