SAINTS travel to the JJB tomorrow night (Friday) for the crunch derby clash hoping to reverse a miserable trend on two fronts.

Not only have they have lost four out of their last five matches, but Saints have not beaten Wigan in Super League since their 19-0 win back in April 2002.

Seven games have passed since then, with this year's Good Friday draw yielding Saints' only derby day point.

But more worrying is the current form - with defeats by strugglers Salford and London setting alarm bells ringing.

Coach Ian Millward said: "Everyone can get a little bit concerned at the moment because we are not playing well.

"But I believe we will come out of this and are still a major threat in the competition and we will show that on Friday night.

"Up to six weeks ago our fans were supporting the best team in the Super League, with the way we were playing and winning the Challenge Cup, the only trophy up for grabs.

"In the last six weeks we haven't played well but I have been really disappointed with the way that some people have dropped off.

"We have players coming back from injury who are a little underdone, but they will get better. And we have a few guys lacking confidence and cohesion.

"The players have to believe in themselves and Friday night is a great game for us.

"The stakes are very high and I am looking forward to it. Our problem last week was our attack. It is a question of working it through and getting it right."

Saints picked up no further injuries against London, with Millward's biggest dilemma being whether to start Mick Higham or James Roby at scrum half.

Friday night's battle sees more than local pride at stake.

The result will have a massive bearing on the final league standings - vital when it comes to sorting out home advantage in the play-offs.