Wasps were the second club to go bust in a matter of days following Worcester’s much-publicised fall from grace. Further rumours are swirling around that several other clubs are also in trouble. The Premiership, however, must go on. Darry Worthington previews round six.
The pick of the weekend action comes to us from West London where Harlequins host the Leicester Tigers at the Stoop.
Friday 14 October
Sale 23/100 | Draw 22/1 | London Irish 33/10 (20:45)
Handicap
Sale (-10.5) 17/20 | London Irish (+10.5) 17/20
We kick things off in Manchester where the Sale Sharks will be looking to go top of the standings, if only temporarily. Standing in their way is a massively unpredictable London Irish side.
The visitors head into this one off the back of their bye, and they should be ready and raring to go. The total points returns in their four games this season read 59, 60, 76 and 85. Absolutely bonkers.
Sale were in action last weekend with the Sharks recording an impressive 16-26 victory over reigning champions the Leicester Tigers.
My advice would be to wait until the in-play markets and open and climb into the overs. I reckon anything up to over (57.5) looks good.
Saturday 15 October
Northampton 1/6 | Draw 28/1 | Newcastle 44/10 (16:00)
Handicap
Northampton (-14.5) 17/20 | Newcastle (+14.5) 17/20
It’s over to Franklin’s Gardens for our next fixture which will see the Northampton Saints take on the Newcastle Falcons.
Northampton currently sit sixth on the standings but have only registered two wins from their five games. One of those wins came last weekend and in dramatic fashion, too. South African flyer Courtnall Skosan’s late try saw them record a famous 36-40 away win over Wasps.
While Northampton enjoyed a decent round 5, Newcastle did not as they were taken to task by a Saracens outfit, who had the bonus point sewn up inside the first half.
The Saints should have no trouble getting a win here. I reckon they should be able to clear the (-14.5), with 17/20 representing decent value.
Gloucester 7/20 | Draw 20/1 | Bristol 23/10 (16:00)
Handicap
Gloucester (-6.5) 17/20 | Bristol (+6.5) 17/20
Our next game will see eighth-placed Gloucester take on fourth-placed Bristol at the Kingsholm.
The hosts may currently have two wins from their three outings but one of those victories was garnered without the Cherry and Whites taking to the field as they were awarded the points for their scheduled game against Worcester which was called off.
Their sole proper victory this term has come against a struggling Bath outfit whom they beat 17-21 this past weekend.
Bristol enjoyed a very good start to the campaign but have gone off the boil losing their last two fixtures, with their most recent being last weekend’s 14-50 dismantling by the Exeter Chiefs.
Bristol have been so hit-and-miss this term, but I think a game against Gloucester suits them as both sides like to run the ball. Back the Bears to remain within the (+6.5) handicap.
Saracens 1/16 | Draw 38/1 | Bath 15/2 (16:00)
Handicap
Saracens (-19.5) 17/20 | Bath (+19.5) 17/20
Off to North London nest where log-leaders Saracens will take on cellar-dwellers Bath. The hosts are yet to be defeated this term while Bath are yet to win a fixture.
The hosts enjoyed a solid trip up to Newcastle last week as they hammered the Falcons 14-34. The scoreline could have blown out exponentially had Mako Vunipola not been red-carded for a reckless cleanout.
Bath’s wretched form continued last weekend as they went down 17-21 to Gloucester in the West Country Derby. They were close to claiming the win with two late tries keeping them in the hunt. It was not to be, however, as Gloucester managed to hold out.
I really fear for Bath here. Saracens are in solid touch, and they could well put up a cricket score on Saturday. I’m on the (-19.5) handicap at 17/20.
Sunday 16 October
Harlequins 59/100 | Drawv 22/1 | Leicester 29/20 (16:00)
Handicap
Harlequins (-3.5) 17/20 | Leicester (+3.5) 17/20
Sunday’s solitary fixture should be an absolute cracker with two struggling big guns going head-to-head in London.
2019/20 Premiership champions Harlequins, currently sit fifth on the standings with two wins from four games. The reigning champions, Leicester, are four places back in ninth with two wins from their five fixtures.
Harlequins enjoyed a bye week last week as their scheduled fixture against Worcester was called off. Leicester would have wished they had a bye as they went down 16-26 to the Sale Sharks.
Both sides will be desperate for the win, but I can see home-ground advantage swaying it the way of ‘Quins. Decent value here at a shade under 6/10.
