TODAY is one of the biggest days in the rugby league calendar as about 65,000 people head to Wembley for the Challenge Cup final.
Two of the game’s biggest sides, Hull and Wigan, meet in what could be a classic clash that many are eagerly anticipating.
But what is likely to happen and who is likely to make the headlines? SunSport gives you a guide to what could decide the fate of the trophy.
WHO IS PLAYING?
Current holders Hull FC take on Wigan Warriors, who are hoping to land their first Challenge Cup in four years but their 20th overall.
YEAH, BUT WHO IS LIKELY TO PLAY?
Both coaches, Lee Radford and Shaun Wane, have picked their sides but they will only be confirmed about 90 minutes before kick-off.
However, expect Steve Michaels and Jordan Thompson to miss out from Hull’s 19-man squad while Joel Tomkins and Liam Marshall should drop out of Wigan’s.
WHERE AND WHEN CAN I WATCH IT?
The Challenge Cup final is on BBC 1, kicking off at 3pm, and it must be important as it has relegated Final Score to BBC 2 for the day.
A whole team of presenters, commentators and pundits will take you through the action, including Wales boss John Kear, former Great Britain coach Brian Noble, St Helens star Jon Wilkin and former Bradford ace Robbie Hunter-Paul.
WHAT ARE THE FIVE KEY BATTLES?
Mahe Fonua v Joe Burgess
Hull star Fonua has already made an impact after being forced to wear a bright pink t-shirt with the words ‘Dick fingers’ on the front and the back at Wembley.
Joking aside, the man on Hull’s right wing can be a huge weapon as Lee Radford’s men aim to hold on to the trophy.
But opposite number Burgess is just as important. Give him an inch and he can take a mile – well, 100 yards to the tryline anyway.
Danny Houghton v Michael McIlorum
Hooker Houghton basically won the cup last year with a tackle that stopped Warrington’s Ben Currie going over.
He will have to be just as good this year as Wigan’s number nine McIlorum is a man on a mission.
A serious injury robbed him of the chance to win Super League and the World Club Challenge – he does not want to miss out this time.
Gareth Ellis v Sean O’Loughlin
The script is written for Hull skipper Ellis to lift the cup on his final visit to Wembley before retirement.
But Wigan captain O’Loughlin is an even bigger part of their plans, and will be with England when he skippers them at the World Cup.
Whichever, loose forward can get on top of the other may hold the key to victory.
Jamie Shaul v Sam Tomkins
The young gun against the established superstar. If both full-backs turn up, we’re in for a hell of a game.
Listen to many Hull fans and Shaul should be in the England squad ahead of Tomkins, who has bounced back from two serious injuries.
Today is a really big test of just how good the Black and Whites’ ace is.
Josh Griffin v Anthony Gelling
One centre will be driven by emotion, sometimes it is best not to know what drives the other.
Gelling is Wigan’s self-styled ‘Man of the People’ and is known as much for his wacky antics as he is quality on the pitch.
But Griffin, who will have a picture of his late father under his wrist strapping, has the speed, size and strength to trouble anyone.
WHO WILL WIN?
Many hope for a repeat of the classic 1985 final between the sides, just as many hope we avoid a repeat of the 2013 clash.
But all the signs are good rather than bad – the weather is OK for a start!
However, if you were to pin us down and make us say who we think will win, we’ll have to say Hull – just!
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