Sport

Sale Sharks’ third straight victory in the Kings of the North tournament leaves them top of the table and needing only one point to secure the title.

Rugby union organisers simply would not put their game up against a football game with such magnitude, so why do they feel they can do it against the biggest game in English rugby league?

After the euphoria surrounding Anthony Martial’s dazzling start to life at Manchester United, Juan Mata’s excellent run of form has quietly gone under the radar.

City’s Champions League match against Mönchengladbach was a perfect example of his lack of lethal finishing, as he regularly found himself in perfect positions, but failed to beat the Swiss Yann Sommer on numerous occasions.

Tony Hand’s side face Bracknell Bees away on Saturday and return to their home at Deeside to face Basingstoke Bison on Sunday.

Wigan know they really could do with a win if they are to keep up with the rest of the pack but know that they will have to be at their best if they are to get anything from the game.

Manchester Citywere top of the Premier League after an impressive start to the season, but find themselves in second to city neighbours United after last weekend’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

In-form Bury and Colchester United meet on Saturday, with The Shakers looking to extend an impressive unbeaten run away from home.

The England international marshalled a back-three alongside youngsters Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett to a 2-1 victory in the corresponding fixture last year and was a turning-point in the defender’s United career.

Last time out the Giants picked up their second win from two against Plymouth Raiders with a 95-89 victory in their first home game of the season.

The Warriors ran in five tries at the DW stadium against a Huddersfield side that have yet again fallen at the final hurdle. Wigan’s Grand Final opponents will be decided in tonight’s second semi-final between Leeds and St Helens.