Challenge Cup 2013 Fixtures: Previewing Wigan Warriors vs. Widnes Vikings

Super League leaders Wigan are clear favourites to progress to the Challenge Cup semi-finals at the expense of Widnes, but they won’t need reminding of the difficulty they faced the last time these sides met.

A dramatic late try from Scott Taylor secured Wigan a 33-32 away win, but it is likely they will avoid a nail-biting conclusion this time around, as Widnes were smashed 62-4 the last time they dropped in on the DW Stadium.

Here's all the information you need to figure out when and where to watch this matchup:

When: Monday, 15 July, 2013

Time: 3 p.m. ET (8 p.m. GMT)

Where: DW Stadium, Wigan, England

Watch: Sky Sports 1

Shaun Wane’s press conference declaration that Sam Tomkins is fit for the clash, as reported by the club website, is a huge boost for the hosts—the fullback scored a hat-trick in his last home game against the Vikings—as Wigan target the Super League and Challenge Cup double.

Wigan’s other try machine, Josh Charnley, went one better than Tomkins by notching four scores against Widnes in the 62-4 win, and between them they present formidable opposition.

Widnes enter the match on the back of a 52-36 defeat to Leeds Rhino, with coach Denis Betts labeling their first-half display “embarrassing,” according to the BBC.

Their success will depend on the form of fullback Rhys Hanbury and winger Patrick Ah Van, who have 27 Super League tries between them, but with Wigan normally tight in front of their own fans, it may be too much of an ask.

Widnes know a faultless display is required just to get close to Wigan, but that didn't stop stand-off Kevin Brown from talking up his side’s chances ahead of the game in an interview with the club website:

"

There aren't many clubs who have a better Cup pedigree than Widnes and it would be great if we could win the Challenge Cup to put in our trophy cabinet.

All the attention is on Wigan, there's no pressure on us as everybody is writing us off. That's good for us as we can go there feeling relaxed and enjoy it, but make no mistake we are going there to win and we will give it our best shot.

Wigan have been the best team in Rugby League for the last few years but the beauty of the Challenge Cup is that it's one game and anything can happen.

"

Whether that is misguided optimism or genuine belief will quickly be discovered when the two sides take to the turf on Monday, but if Widnes are to stand any chance of victory, they can’t afford to concede an early try.

By keeping it tight and frustrating their superior opponents, the nerves can kick in and cause mistakes to filter through into the home team’s game.