Super League Preview: Bradford v Salford

Two clubs building for a brighter future following a turbulent 12 months meet at Odsal on Monday.

Bradford, who saw their 2012 season gripped by the financial troubles which resulted in them being deducted six points, take on Salford, bought from the brink of collapse on the eve of the season by Dr Marwan Koukash.

The Bulls impressed in an 18-all draw at Leeds on Thursday, while the Reds pulled off one of the shocks of the season so far, defeating league leaders Huddersfield 21-20.

Chev Walker drops out of the Bradford squad having picked up a few knocks against Leeds, and Matty Blythe still hasn’t recovered from the ankle injury he sustained at Widnes earlier this month.

Back-rower Elliott Whitehead is in line for his 100th career appearance.

Alan Hunte will oversee his fifth game in charge of Salford, having celebrated his first win on Friday.

He has recalled Adam Walne from a loan spell at Oldham to deputise for Ashley Gibson, who suffered hamstring damage against the Giants.

Bradford 19-man squad: Donaldson, Sidlow, Langley, Manuokafoa, Bateman, Kearney, Scruton, L’Estrange, Purtell, Lulia, Whitehead, Kear, Sammut, Addy, Olbison, O’Brien, Murphy, Foster, Diskin.

Salford 19-man squad: Broughton, Gaskell, Foran, Jewitt, Ashurst, Dixon, Wild, Godwin, Nero, Boyle, James, Neal, Fages, Sneyd, Owen, Griffin, Murphy, Okanga-Ajwang, A Walne.

Prediction: Despite their big effort against Huddersfield on Friday, Salford will find it tough to overturn Bradford on their own patch – home win.

Super League summary:

Bradford won 22 (includes win in 2006 play-offs)
Salford won 7
1 draw
Bradford highest score: 96-16 (H, 2000) (also widest margin)
Salford highest score: 56-16 (H, 2011) (also widest margin)