Johann van Graan’s title-chasers would have been gutted at their round three result at The Rec, and one would think that nothing short of a rousing comeback would be the order of the day when they travel to Gloucester here.
For a team with such lofty ambitions, they’ll be champing at the bit to make right the wrongs of last week.
Verdict: Bath on the minus
Bath to put in a far more comprehensive showing this week.
81/100 Leicester Tigers | Draw 20/1 | Northampton Saints 21/20
After losing out to Bath at Welford Road, Leicester put 40 on the Falcons to get back to winning ways in style ahead of this huge showdown with Northampton.
If Tigers truly want to be a factor this season, knocking over the defending champions here would put them right on course and we will likely have a far better gauging of just where this team is at come the final whistle on Saturday.
The Saints did well to edge Harlequins 33-29 after being 22-14 down at halftime and will face another proper challenge in the form of Leicester.
It’s probably fair to say we haven’t yet seen the best of Phil Dowson’s charges this season, but this encounter against the Tigers might just bring that out of them.
Verdict: Saints
Get on Northampton to continue to pick up momentum by downing this highly motivated Leicester lineup.
Sunday 13 October
24/10 Harlequins | Draw 20/1 | Saracens 7/20
Handicap
Harlequins (+7.5) 17/20 | Saracens (-7.5) 17/20
After he bagged a personal points tally of 19 against Northampton last week, Quins will look to Marcus Smith to conjure up even more magic as they search for their second win of the season when Saracens visit The Stoop.
The hosts’ two defeats so far were by the narrowest of margins, and one would think that, after letting slip a lead of eight points in round three, Tabai Matson will be targeting Sunday’s game against the perennial winners as the one to turn the tide.
Mark McCall’s men remain the only unbeaten side in the tournament after seeing off Exeter last week but will find more stiff competition in the form of a Quins outfit looking to translate their positive performances into wins.
Verdict: Harlequins to win
Get on Quins to deal Sarries their first defeat this term.