Catalans Dragons vs Hull FC predictions: Airlie Birds to be no match for Dragons

Hull FC have won just three Super League games this season
Catalans Dragons have won the last four meetings with Hull FC
Recommended bet: Catalans Dragons -13.5 handicap

It has been a tough season for Hull FC and another long night is in store for the Airlie Birds when they face the Catalans Dragons in Perpignan on Saturday.

With only the London Broncos below them in the table and no real hope of finishing in the top eight, Hull will already be working on how they get back to playing play-off rugby next season.

As for the Dragons, Catalans continue to rely heavily on their strong home record to keep them in the mix for a top-four finish this season.

The Stade Gilbert Brutus is a tough place for any visiting side to play and a one-sided encounter looks to be on the cards when the Airlie Birds enter the Dragons’ den.

Team news

Sam Tomkins shocked the Super League with the news he would come out of retirement to feature for the rest of the season.

The former England full-back has been named in Steve McNamara’s 20-man squad for the weekend and is set to make his first appearance of the season.

As for Hull FC, head coach Simon Grix has made just one change from his squad that managed to earn a shock win over reigning champions Wigan Warriors last time out.

Zach Jebson and been brought in for Davy Litten who has a MCL injury and will continue his recovery in England while the rest of the squad travel across The Channel.

Danny Houghton (calf), Joe Cator (back), Jack Ashworth (ankle), Mitieli Vulikijapani (knee), Nick Staveley (knee), Charlie Severs (shoulder), Cobie Wainhouse (knee) and Jed Cartwright (foot) all remain sidelined for Saturday’s game.

The stats

Catalans Dragons have won the last four meetings with Hull FC, including a 26-12 win the last time these sides met at the Stade Gilbert Brutus back in March.

Hull FC have a miserable away record, losing all of their last 14 Super League games on the road going back to last season.

The Airlie Bird’s last away victory in Super League was on July 9th 2023 when they earned a 16-6 over arch-rivals Hull KR at Craven Park.

Hull FC have the second-worst defence in Super League, conceding 542 points so far at an average of just over 30 points a game.

Prediction

Given Hull FC’s shocking away record and the Dragons' strength on home soil, this looks set to be a one-sided affair in Perpignan.

The Dragons’ crowd will be excited to see the surprise return of Tomkins on the field and the Englishman can help produce moments of magic to see Catalans not only win this game, but win it comfortably.

While the Dragons are too short to back in the outright result betting, it pays to look at the handicap market, with Catalans capable of putting a big score on this leaky Hull defence.

Back the Catalans Dragons with a -13.5 handicap at 3/5 with LiveScore Bet.