The fight for the semi-finals continues in the Gallagher Premiership this weekend, with Saints/ Sale and Tigers/ Bath the pick of the action.
Saturday 30 December
Saracens 1/100 | Draw 45/1 | Newcastle 13/1 (17:00)
Struggling Falcons are nought from nine this season and aren’t about to pick up their first win if the campaign at the StoneX. Having lost their last two matches straight, Mark McCall’s side won’t be in a forgiving mood come Saturday.
Verdict: Saracens 1/100
Saracens to canter to a big score.
Northampton 59/100 | Draw 20/1 | Sale Sharks 29/20 (17:05)
Handicap
Saints (-3.5) 17/20 | Sale (+3.5) 17/20
Northampton have hit a purple patch of note recently, winning their last five in all competitions and climbing to third on the Prem log; just one point off their opponents this week. Another victory here and semi-final talk becomes even more realistic.
Sale edged Saracens by two points at the AJ Bell a week ago to continue their promising campaign but a victory on Saturday could well end up being their best of the lot.
Verdict: Sale 29/20
Sale to make a big statement at Franklin’s Gardens.
Harlequins 24/100 | Draw 25/1 | Gloucester 32/10 (19:30)
Handicap
Quins (-11.5) 17/20 | Gloucester (+11.5) 17/20
Harlequins (sixth) haven’t been in the best of form recently and last week fell 17-25 at Bath despite a valiant effort. Facing a Gloucester outfit at The Stoop with just two wins to their name this season shouldn’t be too big an ask for them though.
The ninth-placed visitors don’t have the game to match Quins in London.
Verdict: Quins (-11.5) 17/20
The hosts to win comfortably.
Sunday 31 December
Leicester 17/100 | Draw 20/1 | Bath 44/10 (17:00)
Handicap
Leicester (-11.5) 17/20 | Bath (+11.5) 17/20
After winning five on the trot, Tigers were brought back to earth with a thud in a 10-29 loss at Exeter a week ago. They now have the challenge of hosting the log leaders in a match that has the potential to do wonders for their season.
Bath continued their great form in their win against Quins and must now get up again for what will be an immensely physical encounter in Leicester. Win here and they’ll be taken even more seriously, lose and they risk falling back into the chasing pack.
Verdict: Bath (+11.5) 17/20
Leicester will take it at home but there won’t. be many points in it.
