SL preview: Wakefield v Bradford (Sun)

Richard Agar has made one change to the 19-man Wakefield squad for the clash with Bradford on Sunday, with Danny Cowling coming in for Matty Wildie.

Wildcats captain Danny Kirmond is also included in the squad, after injury saw him withdraw from the team at the last minute before the game against Leeds on Friday.

As far as Bradford are concerned, they will be without John Bateman, who injured his ankle in the win over Hull two weeks ago, and Michael Platt, who has a slight hamstring tear.

Head coach Francis Cummins has replaced the pair with Sam Wood and Adam O’Brien.

Wakefield 19-man squad: Mathers, Fox, Collis, L. Smith, Cockayne, T. Smith, Poore, Aiton, Raleigh, Lauitiiti, Kirmond, Washbrook, Amor, Wilkes, Mariano, Trout, Lyne, Cowling, Tautai.

Bradford 19-man squad: Donaldson, Langley, Walker, Kearney, Gale, Kear, Scruton, Wood, L’Estrange, O’Brien, Lulia, Purtell, Olbison, Manuokafoa, Addy, Foster, Diskin, Sammut, Evans.

Prediction: A must-win game for both side’s play-off hopes, Wakefield to edge it due to home advantage. Home win.

Stats:

Bradford have won their last three meetings with Wakefield, with the Wildcats’ last win against the Bulls coming 26-14 at home on 9 September, 2011.

2013 meeting – Bradford 40-6 Wakefield (SLR1, 3/2/13)

Super League summary:

Wakefield won 7

Bradford won 24

Wakefield highest score: 44-34 (H, 2005) (Widest margin: 28-16, A, 2005; 26-14, H, 2011)

Bradford highest score: 62-10 (H, 2001) (also widest margin)