I HAVE never been one to sit on the fence… and I’m not going to start now!

Saints are the top team in the Betfred Super League this year, and on current form I cannot see them coming unstuck against their nearest challengers Warrington at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday.

No doubts this will be a fiercely contested game - but I’m going for a Saints win by ten points (2/1 at Betfred).

Saints, currently six clear of the Wolves at the top of the table, will be looking to extend that lead and virtually sew up the league leaders shield.

But according to the Wire marketing team the hosts have other ideas!

A message was sent via a plane fly-over that ‘The Wolves are waiting...’ Let’s just see if they are brought back down to earth with a bang!

Read: Big Al interview>

Both teams go into the game on the back of convincing home wins, Saints defeating the lowly Rhinos 36-10, while Warrington took apart Wakefield. So we could be set for a classic - and possibly the best game of the season so far.

So who are the key battles to look out for? Well I’ve picked four players from each team who could be instrumental in leading their team to victory-

Blake Austin v Jonny Lomax- two key indicators on offence.

Usually, the ball goes in the vicinity of these two. Austin, the current top try scorer in the Betfred Super League and a big running threat to the Saints defence. Lomax- probably playing the best rugby of his career, a player with great skill and vision on the edges. Along with the outstanding Lachlan Coote, he’s definitely someone Warrington must control if they are to win.

Alex Walmsley v Chris Hill- two players who will be vying for a Great Britain prop jersey come October. Both key to getting their attack on the front foot allowing the flair players room to play. Walmsley, for me along with his Saints teammate Luke Thompson, the best props in the game. A challenge I know Hilly with be after proving otherwise.

Daryl Clark v Theo Fages- both key players in attack. Very different roles, but as both have proven capable of winning games for their respective teams. Clark, a devastating runner of the ball out of dummy half, he will be looking for any opportunities to go!

Fages- enjoying an outstanding season, taking on big responsibility to direct the team and building pressure with his kicking game.

LMS v Ben Murdoch-Masila- I’ve picked these two, as no doubt this will be an extremely quick and intense battle, so impact players from the bench could be key. Both powerful men, capable of breaking down defences and scoring tries.

Louie, an infectious character at the club and someone who can inject passion into a game. Two tries against the Rhinos won’t do his confidence any harm.

Ben, a mountain of a man, but one of the quickest forward in Super League, he is a danger to any defensive line. A player Saints must quickly get a grip of when he comes off the bench.

With them being only a handful of the quality players on show, and two coaches who encourage free-flowing rugby and aggressive defence I’m sure we’re in for a belter!

Speaking of coaches, it is great to see the powers that be at the club are keen to talk to Justin Holbrook about a new extended contract.

A no-brainer, and I’m sure I speak for all the players and fans alike, in hoping the gaffer puts pen to paper ASAP.