The Gallagher Premiership gears into Round 9 and kicks off on Friday the 30th of November until Sunday the 2nd of December.
Harlequins v Exeter Chiefs
30 November 21h45
The Stoop
To Win (80 mins)
Harlequins 21/10
Draw 22/1
Exeter Chiefs 4/10
With a points difference of 19 heading into the weekend, it’s easy to see why Exeter are huge favourites to take the victory in south-west London. The Chiefs, along with Saracens, continue to banish all before them in the race for top spot this season.
Their most recent result, a 23-6 win over a strong Gloucester lineup, has only served to exaggerate the gulf between them and the other sides in the competition. Harlequins on the other hand, have stumbled from one poor result to the next with their recent 13-20 loss at Worcester denying them any kind of momentum heading into this one.
Verdict: Exeter 4/10
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1 December
Bristol v Leicester Tigers
15h00
Ashton Gate
To Win (80 mins)
Bristol 13/10
Draw 18/1
Leicester Tigers 13/20
The mega wealthy Bristol Bears will be confident of claiming just their third win of the campaign when they host the Tigers on Saturday. Bristol have struggled to assert themselves in their debut Premiership season thus far, though growing pains are to be expected.
With their last two results (a 29-31 home loss to Exeter and a 28-32 defeat at Wasps) having been decided by less than five-points apiece, they will be aching to get over the line when they take on Leicester. The Tigers themselves are suffering from a five-game losing run in all competitions, but will be eager to turn the tide when they visit Ashton Gate.
Verdict: Bristol 13/20
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Gloucester v Worcester Warriors
17h00
Kingsholm Stadium
To Win (80 mins)
Gloucester 1/6
Draw 25/1
Worcester Warriors 17/4
After yielding to the might of the Exeter Chiefs, Johan Ackermann’s Gloucester will look to bounce back and maintain their top four standing with a win over Worcester. Gloucester will be kicking themselves for not making more of their visit to Exeter, with the Wasps now having usurped them to third place.
The race for playoff places is heating up with so many teams within reach of one another, with even Worcester in with a chance. The Warriors have claimed four wins from their last six in all competitions and will look to sneak a win away from home this weekend.
Verdict: Gloucester 1/6
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Saracens v Wasps
17h00
Allianz Park
To Win (80 mins)
Saracens 1/8
Draw 25/1
Wasps 5/1
The game of the weekend sees second take on third with the expected return of players from international duty set to add an even greater degree of quality to the contest. Sarries, buoyed by their slender win at Welford Road on the weekend, could potentially go top depending on Exeter’s result at The Stoop.
Nevertheless, they will want to maintain the pressure at the summit of the standings with a win over Wasps. Wasps, meanwhile, can close the gap between them and this weekend’s opponents with a victory themselves. With wet weather likely, it may boil down to a set piece and territorial battle; something that will play into the hosts’ hands.
Verdict: Saracens 1/8
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Northampton Saints v Newcastle Falcons
17h00
Franklin’s Gardens
To Win (80 mins)
Northampton Saints 9/20
Draw 20/1
Newcastle Falcons 19/10
After last season’s immense showing, Newcastle have fallen by the way-side this campaign. They currently languish rock-bottom of the Premiership pile with just two wins from eight but will be boosted by an away win at Franklin’s Gardens. Northampton, meanwhile, sit in ninth and will expect nothing less than a victory at home this weekend to continue their climb after stalling at Sale last Saturday.
Verdict: Northampton 9/20
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Bath Rugby v Sale Sharks
2 December 17h00
The Rec
To Win (80 mins)
Bath Rugby 4/10
Draw 20/1
Sale Sharks 2/1
Both Bath and Sale have weathered challenging campaigns thus far, with just three wins apiece. The hosts, though, have managed on less defeat after their 31-all draw with Gloucester in Round Two. Despite boasting some notable players, Sale have yet again struggled to compete against some of the other teams in the competition. This weekend’s game at The Rec offers both sides a chance at claiming a valuable four-points in their quest to climb higher up the table.
Verdict: Bath 4/10
