The Gallagher Premiership returns after a two-week break which was necessitated by European competition.
The biggest clash of the week sees Saracens welcome this season’s surprise package, the Bristol Bears to Allianz Park. Elsewhere, Gloucester and Worcester face off while table-topping Exeter host struggling Leicester.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Friday 20 December
Gloucester v Worcester Warriors
21h45
Kingsholm Stadium
To Win Match
Gloucester 1/4
Draw 22/1
Worcester 3/1
Gloucester can leapfrog the Warriors to potentially go as high as third with a bonus-point win at the Kingsholm on Friday.
Although the jump may be temporary, Johan Ackermann’s side will be eager to maintain their solid run at home this season and keep up the pressure on the likes of the Saints and Bristol.
Fourth-placed Worcester will look to continue their bright start in the Premiership and pick up a crucial away win to further boost their confidence.
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| Gloucester are tipped to claim a narrow win against Worcester this weekend. Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports. |
Verdict: Gloucester by five
The Warriors have been good, but Gloucester will take it at home.
Saturday 21 December
Saracens v Bristol
17h00
Allianz Park
To Win Match
Saracens 1/12
Draw 28/1
Bristol 6/1
Saracens will hope to continue to claw their way back from the brink with a win over high-flying Bristol at Allianz Park.
Despite having won one more game than their opponents this season, Sarries’ mammoth points deduction means they still sit 35-points behind second-placed Bristol.
In any case, they will be favourites to claim a home victory with Mark McCall expected to continue to name his strongest possible XV for the majority of the campaign.
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| Saracens face a stern test this weekend in the form of the high-flying Bristol Bears. Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports. |
Verdict: Saracens by 10
Make no mistake, Bristol are good, but Saracens’ desperation will see them home.
Wasps v Harlequins
17h00
Ricoh Arena
To Win Match
Wasps 6/10
Draw 18/1
Harlequins 27/20
Wasps will be keen to halt their poor early-season run with a win over Harlequins at the Ricoh Arena.
The Londoners have suffered four losses in five and are in serious jeopardy of facing another campaign of real hardships if they can’t find any form.
That said, it is still early days in the Premiership. Dai Young’s charges should have it in them to knock over a below-par Quins outfit at home.
Verdict: Wasps by five
It may not be pretty, but back the hosts will find a way to win.
Leicester v Exeter
17h00
Welford Road
To Win Match
Leicester 37/20
Draw 18/1
Exeter 9/20
It’s not getting any easier for Leicester this season, with the Exeter Chiefs set to pay a visit to Welford Road on Saturday.
The Tigers have seemingly brought their poor form from their last campaign into this one, with the former European champions currently presiding over four losses from their opening five.
Exeter won’t show them any mercy in the midst of their struggles. The Chiefs are placed third and will want to keep pace with the top four.
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| Leicester aren’t expected to come away with anything when they face up to Exeter this weekend. Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports |
Verdict: Exeter by 15
11th-placed Leicester aren’t expected to put up much of a fight this weekend.
Sale Sharks v Northampton Saints
17h00
AJ Bell Stadium
To Win Match
Sale 7/10
Draw 18/1
Northampton 12/10
Sale Sharks can cause a minor upset with victory over the Northampton Saints at the AJ Bell.
The Manchester-based club have performed indifferently in Europe so far this season but can maintain a steady start in the Premiership with a win on Saturday.
The Saints are top of the standings and can extend that lead with a positive away result. They may find the going tough against a determined Sale side though.
Verdict: Sale by eight
Sale will be up for a scrap this weekend and should come away with a narrow win.
Sunday 22 December
London Irish v Bath
17h00
Madejski Stadium
To Win Match
London Irish 7/10
Draw 18/1
Bath 12/10
Newcomers London Irish have been good so far and can claim an important result with victory over Bath at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday.
The hosts are two from five but have been impressive, losing out to Saracens at the Allianz by just three-points and picking up a solid draw in Bristol.
Ninth-placed Bath have been pretty mediocre and could slump to a fourth defeat.
Verdict: London Irish by eight
The hosts will take it in London.
Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets.
