THOUSANDS of Saints fans will hit the road for Bolton hoping to roar the team to a first Wembley final in 10 years.

Justin Holbrook's side take on an in-form Catalans Dragons side this afternoon at the University of Bolton Stadium, in the first part of a groundbreaking Challenge Cup semi-final double header.

The 28,000-seater stadium has officially sold out for the occasion, which will also see Warrington take on Leeds in the day's other cup semi-final.

Saints are seeking their first Challenge Cup final berth since 2008 when, under Daniel Anderson, they defeated Hull FC to win the famous trophy for a third successive year.

Since that triumph, Saints have fallen at the semi-final hurdle four times in the past decade, including to Huddersfield in 2009, to Leeds in 2010 and 2015 and to Wigan in 2011.

Saints have lost only two games in 2018 - their last loss coming at Wakefield on April 15.

The team has beaten Castleford away and held on at home in an epic struggle with holders Hull FC to reach the last four.

The Red Vee will go into the semi-final as favourites but an upturn in form for the French side over recent weeks has narrowed the odds.

Saints took on Catalans in the first ever Challenge Cup final at the New Wembley Stadium in 2007, which they won 30-8.