While Harlequins vs Exeter might be the headline fixture of round 13, there are plenty of other top-class ties across the Gallagher Premiership this weekend. Shaun Goosen previews.
Friday 7 January
Bristol 56/100 | Draw 20/1 | Sale 31/20 (21:45)
The Bears will be looking to end their five-match losing run when they host the Sale Sharks here. Pat Lam’s men, who topped the table last season, have had a campaign to forget in 2021/22 — winning just three from 11 and occupying 12th on the standings. Sale (eighth) have eight points on their opponents this week despite having a pretty underwhelming record themselves. Coming up against one another this weekend, Bristol’s sheer desperation could give them the edge they need to pip the Sharks and claim a much-needed win.
Saturday 8 January
Newcastle 86/100, Draw 22/1, Saints 1/1 (17:00)
The Falcons are without a win since November and last week took a 31-0 hiding at Welford Road. Things won’t get any easier for them here, with the Saints eager to prove a point following their 6-30 thumping by Saracens at Franklin’s Gardens. The visitors are sixth but sit just four points outside the playoff spots and will be frothing for this opportunity to close the gap. I reckon Newcastle may have to wait a tad longer for their winless drought to end.
Quins 88/100, Draw 22/1, Exeter 98/100 (17:00)
The game of the weekend sees Quins face off against Exeter in a rematch of last season’s final. This season certainly hasn’t gone exactly how either side would have liked so far, with the defending champions inconsistent and the Chiefs haven’t been their usual dominant selves. Saturday’s clash will be positively pivotal, with third-placed Quins currently just six points better off than their fifth placed opponents. When’s all said and done though, back the home team to edge it.
Saracens 2/13, Draw 28/1, Gloucester 48/10 (17:00)
Sarries have scored 91-points in two games since their loss at Sandy Park at the beginning of December. That head of steam looks set to continue with the Cherry and Whites visiting the StoneX this week. Gloucester are fourth, just seven points off their opponents this week. They’re likely to come unstuck against Mark McCall’s men given their unbeaten home record this season. Saracens for the win.
Sunday 9 January
Wasps 2/1 | Draw 20/1 | Leicester 43/100 (17:00)
Wasps are next in line to attempt a win over Leicester. An underwhelming four from 11 record shouldn’t exactly fill Lee Blackett’s charges with confidence, and they look set to be the latest team to feel the wrath of the Tigers. There’s good value on Leicester here at 43/100 – one for the weekend multiples.
Bath 51/100, Draw 20/1, Worcester 17/10 (17:00)
Bath have another opportunity to get a first win when the Warriors come knocking at The Rec. Despite Stuart Hooper having already set his sights on building his armoury ahead of next season, there still isn’t much expectation of the side getting a win any time soon. With the hosts named favourites for this one, get on Worcester to pick up their fourth win of the campaign.
