Northampton Saints face Sale Sharks while Saracens are at Bristol Bears in the picks of the fifth round of the Gallagher Premiership this weekend. Shaun Goosen previews.
Friday 18 October
Newcastle 9/2 | Draw 40/1 | Exeter 2/11
Falcons’ defeat at the AJ Bell last week marked their 25th loss in succession, with their last win in the tournament coming all the way back in March 2023. They tackle Chiefs this week, the only other winless team left in the competition, with Rob Baxter’s side surely set to get off the mark at Kingston Park.
Verdict: Exeter (-12.5) 9/10
Chiefs to break their losing streak with a straightforward win against Newcastle.
Northampton 4/11 | Draw 24/1 | Sale 13/5
Northampton have had far from the ideal start to their title defence, with last week’s 24-8 loss at Leicester meaning they still haven’t picked up any momentum to speak of this season. They’re two from four heading into this one and will need their best performance to date to thwart such a talented Sale unit.
Buoyed by the performances of the Curry twins, Sale demolished Newcastle 43-10 in the previous round for a three-from-four record. The Mancunian club are looking dangerous again this season and won’t be taking any backward steps when they confront the defending champions at Franklin’s Gardens.
Verdict: Saints 4/11
This should be another close encounter, but Northampton should have the minerals to hold off Sale at home.
Saturday 19 October
Bristol | Draw | Saracens *betting tba
Bears scored four tries in eight minutes to down Exeter at Sandy Park last week and claim a rare win over their West Country rivals. They top the log heading into this one against second-ranked Saracens, knowing another victory will put them in a very good position indeed.
Sarries copped their first defeat to ‘Quins in the last round and another at Ashton Gate would put them under massive pressure. Although they will be up for it, Bristol are looking hard to beat at the moment.
Verdict: Bears
Bristol to set Sarries back.
Harlequins | Draw | Bath *betting tba
Quins dealt Saracens their first defeat of the campaign a week ago and will be in buoyant mood when Bath come to town on Saturday. While they will certainly be up for it, a more complete Bath outfit should have their number.
Bath kept the pace with the trendsetters on the log thanks to a big win over Gloucester a week ago to bounce back from their disappointing home loss to Bristol. Coming up against this current Harlequins lineup, one would think Johann van Graan’s men can manufacture what would be an invaluable win away from home.
Verdict: Bath to win
Bath should get the job done at The Stoop.
Sunday 20 October
Leicester | Draw | Gloucester *betting tba
With Handre Pollard and skipper Julian Montoya back in action, Tigers produced a clinical showing to down Northampton at Welford Road in round four and well and truly underlined their title ambitions this term. Michael Cheika has seemingly worked wonders in a very short space of time at the helm, and one would think that Gloucester won’t have the firepower to match them here.
The visitors fell to a 31-55 defeat to Bath at the Kingsholm last time out and, unless they can channel the mindset that inspired them to a shock win at Ashton Gate in round two, won’t cause Leicester too much trouble.
Verdict: Leicester
Tigers to pick up a comfortable win. I reckon anything around (-13.5) should be within Leicester’s grasp.
