Shaun Goosen previews all the Gallagher Premiership Round Six action, which will get underway on Friday, 08 January.
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Friday 8 January
Bath v Wasps
21h45
The Rec
Bath host Wasps as they seek to overturn their three-match losing run at the Rec on Friday.
Stuart Hooper’s men have now lost consecutively to Scarlets, La Rochelle and Leicester. Their latest, a 36-31 defeat at Welford Road, sees them occupy ninth with just one win to show for their efforts.
Wasps meanwhile managed to inflict Exeter with their first loss of the domestic season; a mammoth 34-5 result at Sandy Park. This weekend, the men in fifth will be too strong for the hosts.
Verdict: Wasps
Sale Sharks v Worcester Warriors
22h00
AJ Bell Stadium
Sale, back to winning ways, host Worcester at the AJ Bell on Friday.
The Sharks’ narrow 22-19 win at Gloucester saw them overturn their three-game losing streak and claim a first W since the departure of Steve Diamond. With confidence back and this week hosting the struggling Warriors, they should manage to claim another.
Worcester’s last victory was a one-point result over London Irish at home in November. Currently in 11th position on just eight points, they may find the ging tough against one of the league’s most physical sides.
Verdict: Sale
Saturday 9 January
Exeter v Bristol
16h00
Sandy Park
A hurting Chiefs outfit won’t have it easy against the Bears at Sandy Park on Saturday.
Exeter fell for the first time this domestic season to the Wasps at Sandy Park last week. They now host a Bristol outfit who they are level on points with and who will go top with a win here.
The Bears’ only loss in the Premiership so far also came against the Wasps. While they wouldn’t want to let an opportunity to go top slip away, one would think the Baxter Boys would produce a comeback worthy of champions in what is undoubtedly the game of the weekend.
Verdict: Bristol
Newcastle Falcons v Gloucester
17h00
Kingston Park
After tasting defeat for the first time, Newcastle can get back to winning ways against Gloucester at Kingston Park on Saturday.
The Falcons lost out to the Bears last week in a 29-17 defeat. The newly promoted side still sit in third and will be confident of claiming a win over bottom-placed Gloucester here.
The Cherry and Whites have looked way off the pace this season, claiming just one win in five. Their last win in the Premiership came against the Wasps in November and they may have to wait a little longer here.
Verdict: Newcastle
Sunday 10 January
Harlequins v London Irish
17h00
The Stoop
Harlequins tackle London Irish with just three points separating the two at The Stoop on Sunday.
Quins sit eighth with two wins from four. They’ve played a game more than their opponents this week and will fall behind them with a loss here.
Irish will be in a fantastic position with a victory here, though they may fall, short with Quins likely to field a strong side.
Verdict: Harlequins
