Shaun Goosen takes a look at round seven of the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership as England’s finest do battle one last time before the end of the year.
Friday 27 December
Bristol Bears v London Wasps
21h45
Ashton Gate
To Win Match
Bristol 2/11
Draw 24/1
Wasps 39/10
Wasps’ rotten run may continue when they travel to Ashton Gate to take on Bristol this Friday.
The Londoners’ 22-28 loss to Harlequins at home last week was their fifth this season, with many questioning Dai Young’s continued capability at the Ricoh Arena. It certainly wouldn’t be too surprising to see another coach taking over sometime soon.
The Bears started the campaign well but were soundly beaten 47-13 by Saracens at Allianz Park last time out. If they are serious about challenging for the title they will need to show consistency in the big games. That said, that loss should spark them to life to claim a comfortable win over the lowly Wasps.
Verdict: Bristol by 14
Saturday 28 December
Northampton v Gloucester
16h00
Franklin’s Gardens
To Win Match
Northampton 4/10
Draw 18/1
Glouchester 2/1
With just three points separating the two, Northampton and Gloucester’s clash at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday is set to be fiercely contested.
The hosts occupy second after failing to beat Sale in Manchester last week. That was just their second loss of the campaign after a stellar start and they will be eager to get back to winning ways with what would be a vital win over Gloucester at home.
Last week the Cherry and Whites recorded a comfortable 36-3 win at home over Worcester after a slow start. Travelling to Franklin’s Gardens is never easy, and Johan Ackermann’s charges can ill afford another lethargic opening half. They will run the Saints close but may just fall short in the end.
Verdict: Saints by five
Worcester v London Irish
17h00
Sixways Stadium
To Win Match
Worcester 7/20
Draw 20/1
London Irish 47/20
Worcester host London Irish at Sixways on Saturday as both sides attempt to put some consistency into their game.
The hosts are three from six following their 36-3 defeat at Gloucester last week that leaves them in eighth position. Alan Solomons’ men do have some quality players to call on, but their consistency has continued to let them down for some time now.
London Irish’s recent 10-38 loss at home to Bath has stifled their momentum somewhat after winning two and drawing one of their opening six. Unfortunately for them, the Warriors’ home support may just boost them to a victory in time for the new year.
Verdict: Warriors by 10
Bath v Sale
17h00
The Recreation Ground
To Win Match
Bath 6/10
Draw 18/1
Sale 14/10
Seventh-placed Bath can overtake fourth-placed Sale with a win at the Rec on Saturday.
Both outfits are part of six other Prem sides to have won half of their six matches so far. With competition for the playoffs only set to get more cut-throat, neither can afford to slip too far from the pack.
At home, Bath should record a fourth win, but Ssale will run them close.
Verdict: Bath by five
Harlequins v Leicester
18h30
Twickenham Stadium
To Win Match
Harlequins 9/20
Draw 18/1
Leicester 37/20
Harlequins should record a fourth win when they face the ever-struggling Tigers at Twickenham in Saturday’s final game.
Quins are sixth but such is the convoluted and competitive nature of the Prem this early in the season that just five-points separates them from first-placed Exeter. A win should be mandatory as they continue to fight for a playoff berth.
In spite of debutant Jordan Taufua’s efforts, Leicester’s recent 22-31 loss to Exeter at home means they remain on just four-points, with a single win so far. Considering Saracens’ star quality, you wouldn’t bet against them bouncing back from their points penalty to condemn the Tigers to relegation.
Verdict: Harlequins by 10
Sunday 29 December
Exeter v Saracens
17h00
Sandy Park
To Win Match
Exeter 11/10
Draw 18/1
Saracens 8/10
Saracens’ points deduction will add an extra dimension to their rivalry with Exeter when they visit Sandy Park on Sunday.
In the pick of Round 7 action, the defending champions can gain a massive psychological advantage in their quest to avoid relegation with an away win over Exeter. Their 47-13 thumping of Bristol last week will see them heading into the clash with confidence running high.
The Chiefs have recorded the most points (20) in the competition so far and can make a big statement themselves by besting the side that trumped them to the title again last season.
It will be a bruising battle but Saracens’ wolfpack mentality could see them claim a colossal victory ahead of the New Year.
Verdict: Saracens by five
