Our rugby scribe gives his opinion on how Sunday’s Aviva Premiership game between Wasps and Leicester will pan out.
Log-leading London Wasps will be looking to maintain their position at the summit of the Aviva Premiership table when they host the Leicester Tigers at the Ricoh Arena on Sunday
London Wasps v Leicester Tigers | Sunday 8 January | Ricoh Arena | 17:00
To Win (80 mins)
Wasps 1/4 | Draw 23/1 | Leicester 3/1
Wasps
The London Wasps, with their most recent 34-30 away defeat of Newcastle, have ascended to first position on the overall standings, one point ahead of rivals Saracens. Having won all four of their last domestic encounters, the hosts come into this one as heavy favourites.
The Londoners have been playing some breathtaking football under Welsh coach Dai Young, and will be looking to further tighten their grip on potential home-playoff places against the Tigers from Leicester.
Flyhalf Danny Cipriani continues to flourish in his second spell with the Londoners, and his impressive form was again underlined with a classy piece of skill against the Falcons, where he chipped and regathered to score under the posts. Despite this, he went off at halftime with a sprained ankle, but Wasps have an able replacement in Jimmy Gopperth (who also scored last time out). They should feel confident about extending their winning run this weekend
Leicester
Leicester meanwhile, sit in the rather unfashionable position of fifth. Five points off of fourth-place, and four ahead of their nearest rivals in sixth, the Tigers seem to be in a sort of “no man’s land”.
With just seven wins coming from their twelve matches thus far, captain Tom Youngs and his side certainly need to gain some kind of momentum if they hope to break into the top four of the competition.
With two straight Premiership defeats to date, Leicester need to turn the tide fast, and a win here at Wasps could just be the catalyst the team needs to finish the season strongly.
Verdict: Wasps 1/4
I can only see a Wasps win here, especially playing at home. Despite the absence of Cipriani, the Londoners should have too much firepower for an average Tigers side who have yet to hit their stride yet this season. Wasps should win by 20+ points.
Written by Shaun Goosen for @Hollywoodbets.net!
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