Sale v Wasps – 1-3 Jan 2022
Betting Angle
Sale were not in action last week and host a Wasps side that earned a well overdue win against London Irish. It was a win full of merit as they had a host of disruptions just before the match started as players fell victim to the virus. They still appear to have several important players missing for various reasons but might have turned a small corner in their season after last week’s win.
Meanwhile, Sale could well be a little ring rusty. However they are a side with enormous potential and if they can improve their discipline and focus throughout the 80 min, they may well challenge for top honours at the end of the season.
Ian Tempest is the referee and the weather is mild with a small chance of showers.
Patchy’s Pick
In general, Sale have battled to beat their caps and I’m hesitant to buck that trend.
However, Wasps are still struggling to turn out what is close to their best side for the season so it makes it tricky. I do feel though that Wasps can make this competitive despite another weak looking starting VX and with doubts about Sale’s discipline, 4 units on Wasps plus 11.5 points @17/20 looks a fair bet.
Exeter v Bristol – 1-3 Jan 2022
Betting Angle
The Chiefs enjoyed a bye last week and will be keen to keep the momentum going after beating Saracens in their last GP outing.
Their neighbourly rivals Bristol played very well against the Tigers last week and looked all set for a deserved win until Leicester pulled the carpet from beneath them late on. How much that may affect their preparations going into this match only the game will tell.
Luke Pierce takes charge and the weather mild.
Patchy’s Pick
Exeter appear to be in a good space at the moment, the handicap of 10.5 looks a little high at first glance but if pressed would probably go with the minus , however for now a no bet is the call.
Gloucester v Harlequins – 1-3 Jan 2022
Betting Angle
The hosts proved once again that they are in fine form at present and have improved hand over fist compared to last season. It’s no surprise to see Bath were awful again last week, but Gloucester’s complete control of the entire match was very impressive to watch. They will be a very tough team to beat on their home pitch with these types of performances though Quins will provide a need to step up a level one expects.
There may be some light rain showers throughout the day and the referee is Tom Foley.
Patchy’s Pick
Quins were brilliant at Twickenham last week, overturning a 7-21 deficit to run out easy winners. However, this visit to Kingsholm won’t be easy and will test the champions to the fullest, the bookmakers agree as they make the Cherry and Whites marginal favourites.
Leicester v Newcastle – 1-3 Jan 2022
Betting Angle
The Tigers rose from the ashes to keep their unbeaten season intact as they scored deep into injury time last week when breaking Bristol’s hearts in the final seconds with a try in the corner. They weren’t at their best during the match and their unbeaten run looked likely to end but showing incredible heart and desire they pulled a win out of nowhere, in turn breaking Bristol’s hearts in the process.
Meanwhile Newcastle’s match was postponed against Sale and they will be fresh at least to mount some form of challenge here. Their away form is better this season and they should have a fully squad to chose from.
The weather is mild and the referee is the relatively inexperienced Jack Makepeace.
Patchy’s Pick
The handicap is slightly bigger than I had hoped, but still feel the Tigers, back at home, will be good enough to cover. Therefore 3 units on Leicester minus 15.5 points @ 17/20 is the call.
Northampton v Saracens – 1-3 Jan 2022
Betting Angle
Having relied heavily on the Saints to stay withing 9 points last week an horrendous error by the winger Skosane enabled Quins to score a late try and leave my Sunday evening in tatters. Even with the score at one stage of 7-21 in favour of Saints, you always had the feeling that Quins were never in trouble and as it turned out they won the game easily enough.
Saracens had an easy win over the Warriors at the X-Stadium in a high scoring match scoring 9 tries in the process.
The referee is another newbie in Adam leal and the weather is fine.
Patchy’s Pick
Saints started so well last week and still had me in the money into the final 2 minutes of the game, however their second half performance was poor and they will need a superhuman effort to bounce back here with a win.
Saracens do have a horrible habit of inconsistent performances, especially after big wins so some caution is suggested when following my bet here. However I do feel the handicap of Saracens minus 6.5 is a shade too low and 3.5 Units on the minus is the call @ 17/20.
London Irish v Bath – 1-3 Jan 2022
Betting Angle
The Exiles just failed to claim a second losing bonus point away to Wasps last week, they’ve been a funny side this season with just the one win at home to speak of added to three draws and two away wins. However, they will feel enormous pressure here to put away a Bath side who are winless and looking destitute. The hosts certainly have the ability while Bath, after showing signs of improvement will have had to regroup once again and try and formulate their first win of the season.
Our points machine Wayne Barnes is the man in charge and the weather is find with a chance of a few light showers.
Patchy’s Pick
An unusual match for a Monday afternoon takes place and all eyes will be on the Brentford Community Stadium where London Irish start the match as strong favourites.
However, like a lab rat, I’m eyeing out Bath once again despite claims I made last week that I would not touch them this season until they showed huge improvement. Well that’s been booted and the plus 12.5 to me is a gift of immense proportions, particularly with the hosts being quite unreliable and Bath having showed improvement prior to last week’s debacle, so instead it’s time to give my Roman emperors “thumbs up” and a whopping 5.5 Units on Bath plus 12.5 points at 17/20 is my best bet of the weekend !
Follow me on @BrenHbetsnet Twitter for any updates or general chat, have a wonderful New Year and let’s hope for a winning start to 2022!
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