Challenge Cup final predictions as pundits have their say

The Challenge Cup final takes place this weekend with Wigan Warriors and Huddersfield Giants set to battle it out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Both teams have impressed this year and they’ll fancy their chances of getting their hands on the famous old trophy tomorrow afternoon.

It could be a tight, enthralling and entertaining encounter in north London and while Wigan Warriors are the favourites, it wouldn’t be upset if the Giants won the first piece of silverware on offer this year.

Here’s how the pundits see this year’s final going.

Wigan Warriors may be the bookmakers’ favourites but I think this one is relatively evenly matched after seeing the pair impress over the first half of the Super League season. Wigan possess more firepower with the likes of Jai Field and Bevan French able to turn a game on its head within a split second.

Huddersfield, though, have an unbreakable spirit and they’re flying high with confidence right now. If the Giants are to win, Tui Lolohea, Luke Yates and Danny Levi will be key and although Theo Fages will be missed, the likes of Chris Hill, Jermaine McGillvary and Josh Jones have big game experience to call upon.

I’m picking Wigan for this one, but I don’t think it will be one-sided by any stretch of the imagination.

Wigan.

Before the 21-man squads were announced I was backing the Giants. They're hard to beat, a well-oiled machine and play perfect finals rugby league. Unlike previous years when a team not on the top table has reached a major final, this Giants team also has plenty of experience of these finals - just as much as a Wigan side with plenty of experience but a lot of youth too.

But the loss of Theo Fages is a big one, and I think he's absolutely key at the end of their