Team Talk: Hull FC (h)

 It's crunch time! The playoffs start on Thursday with Warrington hosting Hull FC as both clubs bid to keep their hopes of winning Super League alive.

There is a significant blow to Wire in the 21-man-squad, with no Mike Cooper, arguably the club's player of the season so far. Tom Lineham also misses out as he serves the final match of his eight-game suspension, though Josh Charnley and Jason Clark have recovered from injuries sustained in the last match, a win over Huddersfield. Matty Ashton and Jake Mamo also return from lay-offs, while youngsters such as Josh Thewlis and Eribe Doro are involved. Hull FC will not have Jamie Shaul, Gareth Ellis, Albert Kelly or Adam Swift to choose from. For what hopefully won't be the last time this year, here is my Warrington lineup...

Full-Back - 1 Stefan Ratchford
Ratchford would be the first name on the teamsheet every week if it were up to me. His consistency and flexibility have been brilliant this season.

Winger - 26 Matty Ashton
With no Lineham, I think Ashton will take a spot on the wing. It's between him and Jake Mamo, but more on the Australian later.

Centre - 4 Toby King
Someone who has been in superb form all season is Toby King, and will be one of Wire's biggest try threats on Thursday evening.

Centre - 17 Jake Mamo
I've gone with Mamo over Anthony Gelling. Gelling has made some high-profile errors in recent weeks and I think someone with more pace and slenderness could be useful against a defence that often contains gaps.

Centre - 5 Josh Charnley
It remains to be seen whether Charnley makes Thursday night or not, but if he does, he will start. If not, it will be Mamo on the wing and Gelling at centre.

Stand-Off - 6 Blake Austin
The half-back seems to love playing against Hull and has scored in all his league matches against them. He hasn't got the best record in big games, though.

Scrum-Half - 7 Gareth Widdop
One of Widdop's best games for Wire came in the away win against Hull in March. If he can replicate that performance, it will be one foot in the semi-finals.

Prop - 8 Chris Hill
With no Cooper, it will be on Hill to lead the forward pack. A huge responsibility in a huge game.

Hooker - 9 Daryl Clark
Wire's influential number nine will be the key to success - he's hit form just at the right time.

Prop - 15 Joe Philbin
It is likely to be Philbin who fills in for Mike Cooper. It's big shoes to fill but he's always stepped up to the plate when starting.

Second Row - 11 Ben Currie
Currie has been one of Wire's best players this season and you wouldn't back against him having a big game here.

Second Row - 12 Jack Hughes
Hughes hasn't been in great form lately, but it's pretty likely that he'll start this one in the second row.

Loose Forward - 14 Jason Clark
Despite a head injury in the Huddersfield game, Clark is back for this one, and will be very important in an attritional game.

Interchange - 19 Matt Davis
The pacy and enthusiastic Matt Davis will have an even bigger role to play from the bench than usual without Cooper from the start.

Interchange - 27 Ellis Robson
Robson has done enough to earn himself a place on the bench, and will be important as Cooper's absence will be felt.

Interchange - 20 Danny Walker
Walker will make the bench for this one and will look to bring pace to the closing stages.

Interchange - 13 Ben Murdoch-Masila
Whilst I would rather have Murodch-Masila starting in the second row, we all know he'll be on the bench.

It's make or break. Warrington have failed to win either the Challenge Cup or the League Leaders Shield. So now, it's all on the Grand Final. But first, Wire have to get there. And the road to Old Trafford Hull ironically starts against Hull FC. Absolutely no excuses now, Hull are in good form but Wire are at home and are well rested. If the result goes against us tomorrow, that will have to be the end for the coach.

@ALooseWire