Shaun Goosen takes a look at round 21 of the Gallagher Premiership with fixtures set to take place between 28 September and Wednesday 30 September.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Monday 28 September
Harlequins 7/4 | Draw 20/1 | Wasps 5/10
20h45
The Stoop
Third-placed Wasps can’t afford to slip up when they travel to the Stoop to take on Harlequins on Monday.
The visitors are four points behind Bath with a game in hand. With Exeter visiting the Ricoh Arena next week, a win here is a must. Whatever the result, it will have a massive impact on the playoff berths with just one more round to go.
Verdict: Wasps 5/10
Sixth-placed Quins may struggle with so much riding on the result for Wasps. They will want it more.
Tuesday 29 September
Northampton Saints 23/10 | Draw 22/1 | Sale Sharks 7/20
18h30
Franklin’s Gardens
A loss for Sale could be devastating to their playoff hopes when they tackle Northampton on Tuesday.
The Sharks are in fourth, level on points with the fifth-placed Bears heading into the penultimate round. Lose here and their championship hopes may go with it.
The Saints, in seventh, will still have European rugby on their minds but will need to front up physically against arguably the most powerful pack in England.
Verdict: Sale
Sale are on the cusp of the playoffs and shouldn’t let it slip from here. Their powerful pack should set the
Wednesday 30 September
Bristol Bears vs Leicester Tigers *Prices to be added on release.
18h30
Ashton Gate
The Bears need a win over the Tigers to maintain the heat on the rest of the playoff contenders at Ashton Gate on Wednesday.
They occupy fifth, level with Sale on points. A loss here could very well spell the end for them and their fine season thus far.
Leicester are 11th. Without much to play for, and still adjusting to a number of internal changes, they shouldn’t pose too much of a threat.
Verdict: Bristol
Bristol should ensure the playoff positions are only decided in the final round with a win here.
Worcester Warriors vs Saracens *Prices to be added on release.
18h30
Sixways Stadium
Saracens should bounce back from their loss in the Champions Cup semi-finals with victory over the Warriors at Sixways on Wednesday.
With relegation imminent, Sarries’ narrow loss to Racing may have brought an end to an era of unprecedented success for the Londoners. Still, you’d have to back them to bounce back and beat a Warriors side who don’t tend to offer much.
Verdict: Saracens
Sarries should have no trouble in what will be the penultimate game for a number of club legends.
Exeter Chiefs v London Irish *Prices to be added on release.
18h30
Sandy Park
The Chiefs may look to rest a few big-name players as they host London Irish at Sandy Park on Wednesday.
The men from Devon are through to the Champions Cup final after a bruising encounter with Toulouse on the weekend and will now have their eyes firmly fixed on a coveted European double.
With first place wrapped up, expect Rob Baxter to give a few lesser-known players some game time here.
Verdict: Exeter
With or without their first-choicers, Exeter should knock over London Irish this week.
