Super League preview: Wigan Warriors v Hull FC
Wigan and Hull FC meet once again at the DW Stadium on Friday less than a week after the Warriors won at Wembley.
Last Updated: 30/08/13 7:29pm
Shaun Wane's men clinched the trophy for a 19th time following a 16-0 success over Peter Gentle's men at Wembley, but now their attentions switch back to Super League.
Wigan have struggled in the league of late and last season's League Leaders' Shield winners will be eager to build on their cup success in order to keep fourth-placed Leeds Rhinos at bay.
Hull FC are currently seventh in the standings and they need a victory to move level on points with the Catalan Dragons.
Wigan triumphed 28-20 at Hull FC earlier in the season, although they have lost two straight in Super League to the Catalan Dragons and the league-leading Huddersfield Giants.
A number of Wigan's Challenge Cup-winning team have been rested for Friday's clash, a list that includes the likes of Sam Tomkins, Pat Richards, Liam Farrell, Matt Smith and Sean O'Loughlin.
Youngsters
The 19-man squad includes youngsters Lewis Tierney, Ryan Hampshire, Joe Burgess, George Williams, James Greenwood and Dominic Manfredi.
Welshman Andy Powell, formerly of the Sale Sharks, is also included and could be set for his third game for the club following his move across from rugby union.
Warriors stand-off Blake Green is keen for Wigan to finish the Super League table as high up as possible.
"We've two home games left and hope to finish as high up the table as possible before getting stuck into the play-offs," he said in his bi-weekly blog.
"Wigan as a town has a cup double (Challenge Cup and FA Cup) but as a team we want our own double, it won't be easy and we'll have some serious competition but if we can keep as many players fit as possible we're confident we are a match for anyone on our day."
Changes
Hull have made several changes of their own, although Gentle's hand has been forced somewhat due to injuries.
Prop Andy Lynch will not play again before the play-offs, with captain Gareth Ellis also unlikely to feature until the knock-out games due to a rib injury.
Mark O'Meley is awaiting results from a scan on his ankle and will also miss Friday's encounter while Aaron Heremaia and James Cunningham are suspended.
Gentle is eager for his side to learn from their Wembley heartache ahead of the Super League play-offs, telling the Hull Daily Mail: "We are in the semi-finals regardless of the next two weeks.
"If we can pick up a couple of wins we can hopefully get a home game, if not we'll travel but we need to learn from the final."
Wigan Warriors: Burgess, Crosby, Dudson, Flower, Gelling, Greenwood, Hughes, Hampshire, Lloyd, Manfredi, A. Powell, S. Powell, Taylor, Thornley, Tierney, L. Tomkins, Tuson, Spencer, Williams.
Hull FC: T. Briscoe, Bowden, Crookes, Crooks, Green, Hadley, Horne, Houghton, Holdsworth, Johnson, Kent, Miller, Pitts, Shaul, Tickle, Watts, Westerman, Whiting, Yeaman.