Tight match predicted as Saints host Warrington in top of the table clash

They are already proving to be a cut ahead of the rest and tonight’s clash between St Helens and Warrington could well turn out to be a dress rehearsal for the Grand Final come October.

With eight wins from nine apiece, they sit four points clear of nearest challengers Castleford, having played a game less.

Warrington boast the best attack in the division, having been the only team so far to break the 300 barrier, while Saints have the meanest defence, conceding on average less than 14 points per game.

Interestingly, they have both only been beaten by Catalans in France.

In our official match preview, Drew’s dabble predicts a draw after 80 minutes.

Wire hooker Daryl Clark, who will make his 200th Super League appearance, said: “I don’t think it’ll be a points fest. Saints have got the best defence and I think they’ll be a lot harder to break down and score past like we have done in the past few weeks.

“I don’t think we’re going to run away with every game, you’ve got your tight games and minimal chances, and you’ve just got to take them when they come.

“If we all turn up as well as we can, we will give ourselves a good chance of winning.”

Warrington won on their last visit to the Totally Wicked Stadium, which was of course last season’s play-off semi-final when an 18-13 victory ended St Helens – and Ben Barba’s – Grand Final hopes after their dominant regular season.

The Wolves have only scored a total of 56 points in their last four meetings with St Helens, but have won on three of their last five visits.

Saints do boast a far superior record in the Super League era though, winning 48 of 64 meetings.

A bumper crowd is expected after an active marketing campaign led by Saints, with Warrington selling a record number of away tickets.

The pair held a joint press conference earlier in the week to promote the match.

Live coverage starts on Sky Sports Arena from 7pm.