This week's squad news sees the Wire have very depleted numbers out wide, with Josh Charnley the only recognised winger named in the 19-man squad as Jake Mamo and Tom Lineham continue to be unavailable, while Jack Johnson, who started on the wing last week at Castleford, isn't included either. With all this in mind, here is the 17 that I have cobbled together that I think will play on Sunday at the Halliwell Jones.
Full Back - 1 Stefan Ratchford
After surprisingly being awarded three points in the man of steel race for his performance last time out against Castleford, Ratchford will continue to start at full back. He was outstanding in the league win over Wigan in March and hopefully he can replicate that performance.
Winger - 3 Bryson Goodwin
Goodwin was rested from the squad for last week's trip to Castleford and replaced by Jack Johnson. However, Goodwin is back in this weekend and with no Mamo or Lineham, is very likely to start out wide.
Centre - 4 Ryan Atkins
I can't say I'm too chuffed about this, but Ryan Atkins is almost certain to start on Sunday. With our back line options continuing to be down in numbers, this is pretty much the only option we have.
Centre - 18 Toby King
King has been the best player in our back line in recent weeks. With two tries last week, he is also in a bit of a purple scoring patch. No doubt about his selection here.
Winger - 5 Josh Charnley
Charnley hasn't been in his usual free-scoring form of late, though in the cup against his former club, there wouldn't be a better time for him to get going again. Also the only winger in the squad.
Stand Off - 6 Blake Austin
The man who has been the best player in Super League so far this season will have a big role on Sunday. Controlling the game and dictating our play will be very key against such a strong opposition.
Scrum Half - 15 Declan Patton
We need more from Patton on Sunday. He had a decent game when we beat Wigan in March, though has really struggled for form since then.
Prop - 8 Chris Hill
Hill has been excellent lately, having a good impact on the games with his driving runs and metres. As captain, the onus will be on him to control tempers and emotions on such an emotionally driven gameday.
Hooker - 9 Daryl Clark
This man has been nothing short of astounding this season. His performance level, time after time, is breathtaking. He was out of this world against Wigan in the league in March so hopefully he will produce something similar.
Prop - 10 Mike Cooper
It was interesting to hear Steve Price mention this week how pleased he is with the work of Hill and Cooper recently, both of our props have been putting the hard work in and making up a lot of metres. Cooper is an automatic pick for every big game and will be hoping to repeat his try-scoring exploits from Castleford last week.
Second Row - 11 Ben Currie
With two tries in his last two games, Currie is getting back to his best form. He's a player for the big occasion and will certainly start on Sunday.
Second Row - 12 Jack Hughes
One of the best moments of the season was seeing Hughes power over the line to seal the victory against Wigan in March. Hughes' tackling ability will be useful against a team who are good with the ball.
Loose Forward - 23 Matt Davis
As always, this was the hardest position to pick. Davis has impressed me in recent weeks with a string of decent performances.
Interchange - 13 Ben Murdoch-Masila
Fresh from a week off, Murdoch-Masila is back in the squad for this one. His strength and power from the bench will be a useful asset here.
Interchange - 17 Joe Philbin
Philbin has had a good run of games from the bench lately and is likely to continue here.
Interchange - 14 Jason Clark
Clark worked hard in his period on the pitch last week and is likely to have a similar role in this cup game.
Interchange - 20 Sitaleki Akauola
Akauola's return to the team has been a pleasant sight in recent weeks. He has worked hard for his chance and has had a positive impact each time he has entered the field.
LINEUP LAST TIME OUT vs CASTLEFORD:
Ratchford; Johnson, Atkins, King, Charnley; Austin, Patton; Hill, D Clark, Cooper; Currie, Hughes; Davis
Interchanges: J Clark, Akauola, Philbin, Livett
SWEET 17 vs WIGAN:
Ratchford; Goodwin, Atkins, King, Charnley; Austin, Patton; Hill, D Clark, Cooper; Currie, Hughes; Davis
Interchanges: Murdoch-Masila, J Clark, Akauola, Philbin
Well, it doesn't get much bigger than this. Taking on the arch-rival for a place in the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup. Wigan have won their last three, although have had to really grind for all of those wins, while our last three games have seen confident and largely comfortable victories. I am hoping that our quality will see us through, though it is hard to see Wigan not having a big impact on the game with the quality they have with the likes of Hardaker, Williams, Burgess, Escare and Gildart in their ranks. Hopefully the HJ is rocking and helps the team to a big win and a place in the quarter finals. Come on the Wire.
It's always our year.
Daniel (@aloosewire)
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