Catalans vs Leeds Rhinos predictions: Injuries to play their part in Perpignan
- Catalans have won all five of their Super League games at home this season
- Leeds will be without several key players due to injury
- Recommended bet: Catalans -12.5
After back-to-back defeats in Super League, Catalans Dragons will look to return to winning ways when they welcome Leeds Rhinos to Stade Gilbert Brutus on Saturday evening.
The Dragons have come unstuck in recent weeks, conceding 60 points in defeats to Leigh Leopards and Wigan Warriors.
Points have been hard to come by too, as they lost 30-2 to Leigh and 30-8 to Wigan, but this weekend looks like the perfect chance to bounce back, even though the Rhinos have won two in a row.
Team news
Dragons boss Steve McNamara will be without Ben Garcia due to a failed head injury assessment, while Paul Seguier will miss out due to a leg injury.
However, hooker Michael McIlorum returns from suspension, while Matt Ikuvalu is also back after a recent spell on the sidelines.
Leeds boss Rohan Smith is still without Harry Newman due to a back injury, while youngster Riley Lumb faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring problem.
Rhinos playmaker Brodie Croft will also play no part as he nurses a groin injury.
The stats
Leeds won the most recent meeting between the two clubs, as they ran out 18-10 winners against the Dragons at Headingley in March.
Catalans have won three of their last five meetings against Leeds at home, including their 61-0 victory over the Rhinos in September 2023.
Including their 34-6 defeat at home in the Challenge Cup to Huddersfield, Catalans have now lost three of their previous four.
Leeds have built some momentum in recent weeks, winning back-to-back matches, but they have struggled for consistency, winning three of their last seven.
Prediction
While Leeds' recent form is superior, their victories came against London Broncos and Hull FC, two teams struggling at the wrong end of the table.
The Rhinos have lost four of their last seven and without Croft they are going to struggle for leadership in the middle of the park. The former Salford half-back has been one of Leeds' best players this season, but without him they are likely to struggle for creativity.
Catalans will relish a return to home soil on Saturday and the return of McIlorum will only enhance their chances of securing a comfortable victory in the south of France.
