Huddersfield vs Leeds Rhinos predictions: Home advantage to play its part
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- Huddersfield have won the last two meetings between the two clubs
- Leeds are without a win in two games in Super League
- Recommended bet: Huddersfield to win
Huddersfield ended their winless run last time out in Super League, and they will fancy their chances of building on that result when they host Leeds Rhinos on Thursday.
A run of just one win in eight Super League matches saw the Giants sack Ian Watson earlier this month, but interim coach Luke Robinson got a tune out of his players as they beat Salford 16-8.
The Giants will now look forward with optimism with the top eight in sight, while Leeds are only four points ahead of them after their 12-20 defeat to Hull KR.
Team news
Robinson welcomes Thomas Deakin back into his squad after he recovered from a HIA, while Connor Carr returns.
Oliver Wilson is the one to drop out after the Giants confirmed he will miss the rest of the season with an injury.
Leeds boss Brad Arthur has added Ben Littlewood to the squad, with David Fusitu'a dropping out due to an injury. Forward Sam Eseh Jr's loan deal has been extended so he retains his place, while Mickael Goudemand and Justin Sangare remained out with shoulder and knee injuries, respectively.
The stats
Huddersfield won their first game since the end of May last week with their 16-8 success over Salford, but they have struggled at home, winning only three times at the John Smith's Stadium this season.
The Giants have won the last two games between the two clubs, with the last meeting taking place in April at Headingley, with the Giants running out 30-24 winners.
Leeds have lost two in a row, but they have won three of their last six in Super League.
Prediction
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Neither side have been consistent this season, and both fanbases will arguably suggest their teams should be performing better.
Leeds' play-off hopes are hanging by a thread, and they have only worked under Arthur for a week.
The former Parramatta Eels coach saw his team start well against the Robins before they faded down the stretch, and with little to split these teams, Huddersfield's recent win may be just enough to get them over the line.
Robinson and his players will be full of confidence after a morale-boosting win, while Leeds just cannot seem to build any momentum at present.
