- Leigh Leopards have only lost two of their last 16 competitive matches 
- Hull KR have lost three of their previous six games in all competitions 
- Recommended bet: Leigh -3.5 handicap

Two unlikely finalists will look to add to their trophy cabinet this weekend as Leigh Leopards and Hull KR contest the Challenge Cup final at Wembley.

The Leopards beat Wakefield Trinity, York City Knights and St Helens to reach the final, while the Robins overcame Batley Bulldogs, Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors.

Leigh are six points and three places above KR in the Super League table and Saturday's final promises to be a landmark occasion for both clubs.

Team news

Leigh boss Adrian Lam and KR coach Willie Peters have approached this week's final differently.

Peters chose to rest the majority of his team in their clash against Wigan and they subsequently lost 64-6 to the Cherry and Whites.

Lam named a strong 21-man squad against Leeds Rhinos and his positivity was rewarded as the Leopards won Headingley for the first time in 39 years.

Leigh captain John Asiata is a doubt due to an arm injury suffered in that win over Leeds, but Lam says Zak Hardaker, Josh Charnley and Oliver Holmes will all be ready to feature after recovering from knocks.

Rovers winger Ryan Hall faces a fitness test, but Peters is confident the former Leeds ace could recover in time.

Jordan Abdull, Sam Wood and Sauaso Sue are the Robins' long-term injury concerns and will watch on from the stands on Saturday.

The stats

Leigh have ruined the majority of pre-season predictions and they are the form team in England under Lam. The Leopards have only lost two of their last 16 matches in all competitions and more importantly, have come up with the goods in big games.

KR's three defeats in six matches is far from ideal, but they can be forgiven after resting all of their key players last time out against Wigan.

After eight consecutive wins against Leigh between 2017 and 2022, KR have lost both meetings this season.

Prediction

Both Leigh and KR would be worthy winners of the Challenge Cup after impressive campaigns, but the Leopards look to have the momentum behind them ahead of their trip to the capital.

Lam's decision to play a strong team against Leeds paid off and he only lost one player to injury. That continuity will be vital this weekend and if the Robins are slow out of the blocks, they are sure to be punished.

Leigh know what it takes to beat the Robins this season and they can make it a memorable day by recording their third-straight victory over Hull KR.

Back Leigh to win via -3.5 handicap at 4/5 at LiveScore Bet