Round three of the Gallagher Premiership kicks-off this weekend, with some tasty clashes at Franklin’s Gardens and Sandy Park in store.
Friday 23 September
Bath 79/100 | Draw 25/1| Wasps 11/10
Considering the financial strife under which Wasps currently finds itself, with automatic relegation a distinct possibility, you’d have to think the hosts will pick up a first win here. Both sides are 0 from 2 this season but back Johann van Graan’s charges to get their first W here.
Saturday 24 September
Northampton 11/10 | Draw 21/1 | Leicester 77/100
Both outfits bounced back from first round losses to win last week. Tigers are heavily favoured here, but the Franklin’s Gardens faithful will lift their side. In one of the games of the weekend, the away team should just edge it.
Saracens 3/10 | Draw 25/1 | Gloucester 26/10
If Sarries’ comeback win over Quins last week is anything to go by, the Cherry and Whites will be up against it here. Mark McCall’s men seemed their usual selves at The Stoop after a rusty start and should have too much for Gloucester at the StoneX.
Bristol 39/100 | Draw 25/1 | London Irish 21/10
The Bears are two from two and are seemingly out to right the wrongs of their dismal campaign last season. Many are backing them to make a proper title charge this season, and it’s hard to see them slipping up at Ashton Gate against an Irish side that was well beaten a week ago.
Worcester | Draw | Newcastle *TBA
In a similar vein as Wasps, Worcester head into the weekend under a cloud of financial controversy and, again like the men from Coventry, they’re yet to win this season. Despite home ground advantage here, back Falcons to make the most of the Worcester circus for their first W.
Sunday 25 September
Exeter 52/100 | Draw 23/1 | Harlequins 33/20
Sunday’s sole fixture is a proper eye-catcher with Chiefs looking to make it three on the bounce. Quins were outclassed by Saracens in the second-half of their encounter last week, but I’m backing them to hit back with a big performance here.
