With the Autumn International excitement behind us we resume the Gallagher Premiership with an unusual schedule of three matches to take place on Friday evening.
Bath v Exeter – Round 9
Friday’s televised match should be an intriguing affair as Exeter will start a block of 6 matches including Premiership and Championship fixtures. The visitors have won their last 4 out of 5 visits to Bath and start the match as strong 10.5-point favourites.
Both teams have named strong sides and notably Bath are able to recall several 1st team players who have been unavailable due injury.
Betting Angle
Bath have started the season in terrible form, they are 0 from 7 at this stage and are desperate for a result. Exeter have shown great recent form in Bath and with the serious part of the season about to begin I would think a good win here would be part of the road plan.
I’m going to side with Bath on handicap, it’s not a confident selection but I’m assuming the Chiefs will be happy with a win which may allow Bath to stay within the handicap range and may possibly even capture a losing bonus point.
Referee for the match is Matt Carley.
Patchy’s Pick: 2 Units on Bath plus 10.5 points at 17/20.
Bristol v Northampton – Round 9
The Bears have won 4 from 7 so far and 2 from 3 at home. They’ve won their last two matches and appear to have regained some form.
Saints welcome back a host of international players and have named a strong side for this encounter. In general, past results have been well fought out and I’m expecting another tight match on Friday evening.
Referee for the match is Karl Dickson and the weather forecast is cold and cloudy.
Betting Angle
I like the look of the Saints for this and think going low on the total points may also be worth having a look at if around the 47.5 points with King Karl on the blower.
Patchy’s Pick: 4 Units though for now on Saints plus 5.5 points at 17/20.
Newcastle v Worcester – Round 9
Contrasting sides meet here as Newcastle with a strong home record of 6 and 1 face the Warriors with only one victory in there away fixtures since November 2019.
Newcastle’s last Premiership outing was a super win away to Exeter whilst Worcester’s wasn’t so good as they lost to Bristol 27-5 away from home.
Both sides have welcomed back some internationals stars and while played on an artificial pitch the weather will be fine but cold and officiated by Wayne Barnes.
Betting Angle
The Warriors have been very poor this season and despite having built their squad over the last few months are battling to get the results.
Newcastle have enjoyed one of their best starts to the season, but I do get a little concerned when I see the hosts priced up as strong favourites despite Worcester’s current woes.
Patchy’s Pick: Not surprisingly I’ll only have a single unit on the plus 10.5 points at a slightly lower price of 5/7, but instead will look at a slightly higher wager of 2.5 units at an unders call despite Wayne Barnes who tends to be a points ref if I can get a quote of around 46.5 points.
Wasps v Gloucester – Round 9
The last match to be previewed for Friday night features two potentially running sides that can give the ball some air. Big improvers Gloucester make their way to Coventry and have produced a win, a draw and a loss in their 3 away fixtures so far.
Betting Angle
The hosts are still battling a long injury list but have named a solid side for this match, they haven’t reached the heights of that spectacular win over Bristol back in September though and I feel this match could produce an upset.
The Cherry and Whites have transformed into a strong this season with what seem a resolute outlook and think they have the fore power to win this game.
Luke Pearce takes charge of the match and the weather forecast is cold but clear.
Patchy’s Pick: 2 Units on Gloucester at 15/10 and 2 Units on Gloucester plus 3.5points at evens.
Harlequins v London Irish – Round 9
Saturday’s sole fixture is televised and features the dynamic Quins against my nemesis, London Irish.
The latter find themselves 9th on the table standing having been involved in three high scoring draws already this season. Their sole win came at Exeter in a shock result. Quins sit 3rd with 5 wins and 2 losses to their name.
Christophe Ridley takes charge and the weather is cold and mild.
Betting Angle
The points handicap looks well set with both sides capable of scoring points, the Exiles showed that they have wonderful scoring abilities highlighted in their recent 34-34 draw against Saracens when reduced to 14 men for much of the match. It’ll be a small interest and another plus on the handicap as think we may have another high scoring clash.
Patchy’s Pick: 2 units on London Irish plus 10.5 points at 15/20.
Saracens v Sale – Round 9
The final fixture of the weekend takes place at the X-Stadium in Salford where 2nd placed Sarries host 8th placed Sale and the match will be televised.
Saracens are unbeaten at home this season, although they did draw one game against London Irish after throwing away a 27-3 lead in the second half. Sale have been disappointing and bounced back to a good win when hammering Northampton 30-6 in early November. The ref is Tom Foley and the weather is fine but chilly.
Betting Angle
After starting the week leaning towards Saracens to cover this handicap, I must complete the weekend’s tips with yet another plus.
Granted the hosts will welcome the return of some big names and will be very tough at home, Sale will also have a boost with a number of 1st teamers ready to take on the challenge. It’s not a confident selection but I think they’ll at least give us a run for our money.
Patchy’s Pick: 2 units on Sale plus 11.5 points at 17/20.
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