Brendan ‘Patchy’ O’Connell previews Round 19 of the Gallagher Premiership, with 2nd playing 1st on Saturday when Saracens host Leicester.
Harlequins v Newcastle – Round 19
Quins proved too strong for a rejuvenated Warriors side last week denying them a losing bonus point in the process. Returning to the Stoop Friday night Newcastle have it all to do despite going down narrowly to Exeter and Bath recently.
Patchy’s Pick
The weather forecast is good, Karl Dickson is the referee after an international call up last week. I have a feeling Quins will step up with a good performance here but the handicap looks well set. I’ll go with my gut feel and consider a smallish bet, Quins minus 16.5 for 2 Units.
Bath v Bristol – Round 19
Bath return to the Rec after a successful raid up North last week. There are signs of improvement in recent weeks and they’ll be confident of upstaging Bristol who appear to blow hot and cold but did land us the money last week against Wasps.
Patchy’s Pick
Chance of showers and Luke Pearce takes charge, Bristol were excellent last week but are a dangerous side to rely on, Bath are the same , but I fancy them this weekend, things are looking better, Bath plus 4.5 points for 4 Units is a confident call.
Gloucester v Northampton – Round 19
After being one of the form sides in the Premiership, Gloucester’s crown has become a little tarnished in their last two games though both were away from home and against Exeter and Leicester. Returning home they’ll be desperate to get back in the saddle with a win but do face a potential banana peel in the form of Saints who can be quite dangerous when in the mood.
Patchy’s Pick
Ian Tempest in charge and a small chance of showers, at face value there could be points but Gloucester may button down the hatches and go for a win first. The handicap may be a little high though in my opinion and a 2 Unit wager on Northampton plus 7.5 is a narrow call.
London Irish v Worcester – Round 19
Irish continue their rich vein of form but could potentially underestimate the Warriors when these to meet at the Brentford Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon. It’s not that the Warriors are a better side , it’s more a case of the Exiles perhaps switching off and playing worse than expected. What contrasts that opinion is the Exiles are now in 5th place on the Premiership table and a healthy win here could propel them into the top 4.
Patchy’s Pick
Jack Makepeace in just his 11th start is in charge of the match and a few showers are expected. I feel we could see a few points in this conditions permitting and I think the Warriors are worth following with a 12.5-point head start , 3 Units on that.
Saracens v Leicester – Round 19
This has the potential to be match of the season so far, Sarries will want revenge after a very late sequence of events allowed the Tigers to steal a win in the reverse fixture last October. Both sides are in fine form and lying 1/2 on the table.
Patchy’s Pick
The weather forecast is good and Craig Maxwell Keyes has the whistle. I was surprised that the cap was so high and as a result I feel the Tigers and their positive energy will make the plus 5.5 points a runner throughout the game. Not overly confident but definitely worth 3 Units.
Exeter v Sale – Round 19
We have another juicy fixture on Sunday with Wayne Barnes in charge. Exeter are gathering momentum as we enter the latter part of the season and face Sale who have also managed to get their act together in recent weeks.
Patchy’s Pick
The weather is ok on Sunday and Exeter might have the edge in terms of confidence after a nail biter against Saints last week. Sale on the other hand allowed the Exiles to bully them and might have a little self-doubt. The handicap is well set and if pushed would have a small nibble in Exeter on the minus 3.5 points for a Unit.
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