Hull FC challenged 'to put up a fight' in penultimate Salford Red Devils clash

Hull FC host Salford Red Devils at the MKM Stadium this Saturday evening (5:05pm kick off). Here are reporters preview the clash.

Dan Tomlinson - Hull Daily Mail
Hull FC’s penultimate game of the Super League season sees them take on a Salford Red Devils side aiming to secure a play-off spot, with the Black and Whites looking to avoid a first bottom-place finish in sixty years. The contrast couldn’t be more different.

Paul Rowley’s side have flown at times this year and currently sit fourth on the table. When they’re on, they’re on, with Hull’s saving grace being that they are capable of a slip up or two as well - cue away defeats at Huddersfield and Castleford earlier this season. It would take a big drop from Salford, however, for Hull to get anything here, who are looking for a much improved display after last week’s hammering at Leeds.

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The hope now is that they use the hurt of that embarrassing display and turn up with a performance that at the least can restore some pride. Depleted or not, they need to show the traits heavily discussed in recent weeks, with everything centred on effort and hard work. That's the challenge. Whether Hull are up to it or not, we’ll soon find out. Prediction: Salford by 28

Matthew Shaw - Rugby League Live
The only positive for Hull FC and their suffering supporters now is that the finish line is in sight. Two games to go and it can be boxed off as a terrible, terrible dream. The likelihood of things getting any better any time soon are unlikely, especially this week against a Salford side who scored 70 on this ground not too long ago. The Reds have actually been a bit shaky against sides at the bottom of the league this year, losing to Castleford and stumbling past London. Don't forget that they only beat the Black and Whites by two a little over two months ago as well.

Salford aren't as good on the road so you would hope, with personal pride at stake, the Hull players can put up a fight. Will they? Let's be honest, you can't guarantee it. We will see. Prediction: Salford by 10

Super League summary
Played: 55
Hull wins: 37
Salford wins: 18

Last ten meetings:
2024: Salford 22 Hull 20
2023: Salford 29 Hull FC 22
2023: Hull 14 Salford 60
2022: Salford 28 Hull 18
2022: Hull 48 Salford 16
2021: Salford 42 Hull 14
2021: Salford 4 Hull 35
(at Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens)
2020: Hull 22 Salford 28
(at Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington)
2020: Salford 54 Hull 18
(at Headingley, Leeds)
2019: Hull 22 Salford 44

Bookies say
Super League title sponsor Betfred have Salford Red Devils as 1/8 favourites to defeat Hull FC. The Black and Whites are priced at 5/1, with the draw coming in at 25/1.

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