SAINTS take on Super League’s surprise basement side Warrington wary of the threat posed by a team that is not only getting desperate for their first points, but one that will be better for the additions to their squad.

Although they will be without suspended Tom Lineham and injured centre Ryan Atkins, the return of Stefan Ratchford is a crucial addition as Saints know to their cost from last year’s semi final.

Warrington’s middle unit will also be better for the game time in skipper Chris Hill’s legs from last week and now he is joined by Dom Crosby and Toby King.

In a remarkable change in fortunes Saints have won only one home game against Warrington since they left Knowsley Road - almost the reverse of what happens at away games.

So Wolves, although down in confidence, will not be over-awed by coming to Saints.

Although their poor run of form has put pressure on coach Tony Smith, Cunningham expects Wolves to come good.

Cunningham said: “The Warrington of old would have taken some of those opportunities that Leigh gave them and sneaked Thursday’s game, but that is the difference at the minute.

“All these things will stick with Warrington eventually but it is a question against who? Somebody will feel the brunt of it, I just hope it is not us on Friday night.

“When they bring Stefan Ratchford back and you begin to get that combination with him, Daryl Clark and Matty Russell from dummy half – those three carries alone are a 40 metre gain. We know what Warrington bring and they are not the side that everyone is saying they are.

“They may be down on confidence but that can be soon turned around in the blink of an eye as things start sticking."

Despite this being Warrington's worst start since 2009, Cunningham backed his Wolves counterpart to turn it around.

"Tony Smith is a smart coach and he has been in this industry a long time.

"You don’t stay in this industry, win as many games and trophies as he has if you are not smart.

"He understands the dynamics of rugby league and knows what his players have to do.

"Against Leigh they were a dropped ball here and there away from getting a victory," he said.