The Gallagher Premiership returns this weekend with some crackers in the forms of Quins v Saints and Sale v Bath. Shaun Goosen previews.
Friday 24 January
Harlequins 7/20 | Draw 25/1 | Northampton Saints 9/4 (21:45)
Quins did well to beat Glasgow Warriors in Europe last week and seal third spot in Pool 4 but will face another stern examination in the form of Northampton on Friday. Tabai Matson’s charges lie seventh on the log, just one place and two points ahead of their opponents this week and eight points adrift of the top four. Another defeat here and the alarm bells won’t be far off.
Saints also come off the back of a Champions Cup win, theirs a two-point defeat of Munster at Franklin’s Gardens which booked them top spot in Pool 3. Unfortunately, their domestic form has been lacklustre and they simply have to beat the hosts to keep their slender playoff hopes alive.
Verdict: Saints 9/4
Northampton to ride their wave of Champions Cup confidence to victory at the Stoop.
Saturday 25 January
Gloucester 11/20 | Draw 20/1 | Leicester Tigers 17/10 (17:05)
Fifth-placed Gloucester have enjoyed a fine Premiership campaign to date and head into this encounter one place and three points off fourth-placed Tigers. Victory would be huge in the context of their season and given their impressive home form, they will back themselves to get the job done.
That said, Leicester are a side with lofty aspirations under Michael Cheika this term, and they should have the desire and experience to put their inconsistent domestic form behind them to keep pace with those above them.
Verdict: Leicester 17/10
Tigers to come out trumps at the Kingsholm.
Exeter Chiefs 13/20 | Draw 21/1 | Saracens 27/20 (19:30)
Exeter were on the receiving end of two thrashings in the final two pool rounds of the Champions Cup but will now set their sights solely on finishing their Premiership campaign strongly after being knocked out of Europe. Despite their struggles (they’re ninth overall) they could look to spring a surprise against bitter foes Sarries at Sandy Park who may be light on fuel after giving so much against Munster and Castres.
Saracens are third on 34 points but could yet find themselves reeled in by the chasing pack if they drop the ball. They will be expected to ease past Chiefs here but could find themselves ambushed after their draining Champions Cup performances.
Verdict: Exeter 13/20
Chiefs to upset the Sarries applecart on Saturday.
Sunday 26 February
Sale Sharks 29/20 | Draw 20/1 | Bath 5/10 (17:00)
Sale are sixth after a topsy-turvy campaign both domestically and in Europe. Currently just four points off the play-off berths, they can give themselves a massive psychological boost in this latter part of the season by knocking over Johann van Graan’s frontrunners.
Bath are six points clear at the summit ahead of their visit to the AJ Bell and will be eager to keep their foot on the gas in Manchester. Their “demotion” to the Challenge Cup knockouts would have hit their pride hard, and in turn they’ll be looking to bounce back by hitting Sale hard on Sunday.
Verdict: Bath (-4.5) 9/10
The visitors to clear the handicap against Sale.
Bristol Bears 1/33 | Draw 68/1 | Newcastle Falcons 11/1 (17:00)
Second-placed Bears should be fully focused on claiming maximum log points against bottom-placed Falcons at Ashton Gate on Sunday. The hosts have looked strong in Europe over the past fortnight and it’s unlikely Newcastle will be able to match their ability.
Verdict: Bears (-23.5) 9/10
Bristol to canter to victory.
