Make or Break Game for Wigan

The Wigan supporters who once idolized Andy Farrell will have more pressing matters tonight than watching him kick goals for England. A crowd of 25,000 is expected at the JJB Stadium for a derby against St Helens which Brian Noble's team in effect need to win to avoid missing the top six play-offs for the third consecutive season.

Another Wigan great, Ellery Hanley, will be inducted into the club's Hall of Fame before the kick-off and the chairman, Maurice Lindsay, is expected to attend his last match before an imminent takeover. Recent history suggests Lindsay will sign off with a defeat. Wigan have not beaten St Helens in eight matches going back to April 2005 and have suffered three comprehensive defeats this season while there are no indications that the Saints coach Daniel Anderson will do them a favor by fielding a weakened team.

Nick Fozzard will be missing after suffering a bicep injury against Warrington last week and it would be a surprise if Sean Long returns as his calf is playing up again. But with the champions having a two-week break before they enter the play-offs Anderson is keen for them to sign off in style. That would probably leave Wigan out of the six because of the four points they were deducted in July for breaching the salary cap in 2006, though they could still make the play-offs if they lose.

That would need Salford, who have already been relegated, to beat Warrington at the Willows tonight and although the Wolves are missing eight senior players because of injury and suspension, they should still be the more motivated side.