Challenge Cup Semi Finals - Predictions

Just 4 sides remain on the road to Wembley, with Castleford Tigers, Warrington Wolves, St Helens and Hull FC making their way to Leigh Sports Village to battle it out in the Semi Finals.

The games follow on from the Women's Challenge cup final between York City Knights and St Helens in an historic triple header.

Matchday FM's Rugby League trio of Chris Stott, Kieran Makin and Robert Lee look ahead to the Men's Semi Finals which promise to be exciting affairs, with a place in the show piece final at stake.

Hull FC Vs St Helens

Hull have already seen off Wigan, can they do the same with Saints in the Semi's?

Chris

Despite their dominance of Super League over the last 2 seasons, the Challenge Cup has rarely been kind to Saints in recent years. Their last Wembley triumph was way back in 2008 (oddly enough against Hull FC) and have only been to one final since. FC where back to back winners in 2016-2017 and will be keen to get back to Wembley again under their new boss. Hull has stuttered a little losing 2 of their last 3 including at Saints last week, who themselves responded to a first defeat of the season. Both have been really impressive at times this term and I'm expecting a tighter game than their league meeting - but I'm still edging towards Saints.

Winner - St Helens

Kieran

Hull FC look a good side this year and knocked out Wigan in the last round, however, St Helens remain one of if not the best side in the country and I fancy them to win a tight thriller here.

Winner - St Helens

Rob

Hull FC showed great promise against Wigan, and remember they lost to them in the league before beating them in the cup. Hull lost to St Helens in the last game of the league... does lightning strike twice in the cup? Hull edge this one for me.

Winner - Hull FC

It was tight, but Saints saw off the Giants in the Quarters...

Castleford Tigers Vs Warrington Wolves

They've need Golden Points Vs Salford and Hull KR in their run, but can Cas do it in 80 against the Wire?

Chris

While Cas have only had 1 final (2014) since 1992, the Wire are there nearly every other year of late with 6 since 2009. Warrington blitzed the Tigers in the second half of their Super League meeting a fortnight ago, and while the Wolves battered Salford last time out, Cas where thumped by neighbours Leeds. The Tigers are sure to respond with vast improvements, and of course there is the Daryl Powell sub plot! Again, tough to call, but Warrington for me have the fire power to take it.

Winner - Warrington Wolves

Kieran

Warrington’s opening weekend Super League defeat to Castleford seems a long time ago now. Wire are in red hot form and the Tigers are stuttering a little bit. Daryl Powell might have a surprise up his sleeve for his future employers but I fancy Warrington for this one - they have a great affiliation with the Challenge Cup too.

Winner - Warrington Wolves

Rob

Both teams probably haven’t hit the form they have been desiring this season but Wire’s thrashing of Salford has probably given them some confidence. It will still be tough to split these two sides but I’m going to go Warrington, the margin could be a close one.

Winner - Warrington Wolves

Warrington beat Catalans in the Quarter's to set up a showdown with Castleford