FORMER Saints skipper Paul Sculthorpe used to relish the Good Friday derby.

He brings his thoughts in his latest column with the St Helens Star.

It’s the big one…table topping Saints against second-place Wigan in front of a sell-out Good Friday crowd.

How I wish I was playing!

I can’t wait for this, a traditional Easter clash between derby rivals who are both in excellent form.

What is certain, is that it will be an intense affair, and very tight game.

The fans have certainly bought into it, believing like me it will be a great game, and start of the Easter break!

I’m backing Saints to win…of course – but do expect a fired up Wigan!

Following another good win in Hull, it is getting monotonous now talking Ben Barba …but he is continuing to shine from full back, and no doubts Shaun Wane will be looking to put him under as much pressure as possible.

I expect an aerial attack with a fierce kick chase, as they are well aware of the threat he poses with ball in hand.

This will also be a big test for Danny Richardson.

He’s having a great season so far, and he can make a name for himself come 3.15 on Friday.

For Wigan, skipper Sean O’Loughlin is still a big presence, but their key players for me are George Williams and Sam Tomkins. The former is looking very sharp this season, and two players Saints must shut down.

After Wigan, Saints travel to Widnes on Monday, in what is a tough period for all the Betfred Super League players.

Coaches earn their corn too with their selections…trying to look after key players and giving younger squad players an opportunity, whilst still winning games.

All players love playing, but two games in three days is always a tough ask…and can have a bearing on following weeks in regards to player wellbeing...but this is something everyone knows happens every year so can prepare accordingly.

This period certainly benefits the clubs with the bigger, more experienced squads.

Young front-rowers Matty Lees and Jack Ashworth, look very likely to figure in Justin Holbrook’s team selections over the Easter weekend, certainly following the devastating news of England star Alex Walmsley’s long term neck injury.

It was great to hear that ‘Big Al’ will make a full recovery following surgery to repair a broken bone in his neck – an injury he suffered in the second half at Warrington earlier this month.

He is one of the stars of the Betfred Super League after a great 2017 with Saints, followed by a hugely successful World Cup campaign in Autumn.

He will be certainly missed…but an opportunity for someone else to step up!

Best wishes to Alex and his family, speedy recovery!

Scully is predicting Saints will make home advantage count against the Warriors and will win by four or more which is 10/11 at Betfred.