Quins are the best bet in Round 22, with Saracens and Bath next best, says Patchy.
Sale v Saracens – Round 22
With the top 3 on the table currently likely to contend the playoffs it looks like it will be a close-run thing for the 4th and final slot.
All of Gloucester, Exeter, Sale, Northampton, London Irish and possibly Wasps all have a chance.
Unfortunately for Sale, a missed Faf de Klerk penalty last week with the final kick of the match meant they came away from Bath with a draw. It doesn’t get easier this evening either against Saracens, but at least the hosts can draw confidence from their excellent home form this season, which reads seven wins and one draw from nine matches.
Saracens were a little guilty last week of taking Bristol too lightly and were fortunate 27-23 winners, I expect them to put in a much better performance away from home this evening.
Sale have won their last two matches against Saracens at home in the Premiership.
Luke Pearce is in charge and there is some slight drizzle about and cold.
Patchy’s Pick
A tricky fixture for a Friday evening to start with.
Sale have the ability to win this one but are showing some chinks once again in their armour.
Saracens were poor last week despite winning and I can see them covering this cap with a clinical performance.
A confident 4 Units on Saracens minus 2.5 points is the call.
Exeter v Bath – Round 22
Exeter failed to produce the goods last week Sunday in what would have been an excellent weekend for the thread.
Instead we were served a spluttering, almost nervous and forced display from the former champions. They have a good opportunity here to put things right and pick up a valuable win, but the fact remains they are not the force of old based on this season’s performances so far.
On the contrary, Bath produced a fine display against Sale and landed our second-best bet of the weekend. They’ll find things tougher here but cannot be discounted having slowly improved as the season has progressed.
Wayne Barnes takes the whistle and some showers are expected through the afternoon.
Patchy’s Pick
Exeter were not up to scratch last week and I’m expecting the players will bounce back strongly here. However, with the cap set where it is I think Bath are reasonable value on the back of their recent showings.
For now 2.5 Units on Bath plus 15.5 points.
Gloucester v Wasps – Round 22
A very important match for both sides with Wasps potentially out of contention for the playoffs should they lose.
Gloucester were awarded the game last week against Worcester and despite being rested may have preferred having had a blow out last Friday night. The hosts are unbeaten in their last six Premiership outings against Wasps at Kingsholm Stadium.
Meanwhile, Wasps have only enjoyed success three times on the road this season but are not without a chance of springing a surprise.
Patchy’s Pick
Last chance saloon for Wasps who will have to carry on winning to make the playoffs if they are able to steal a win here.
On the other side, Gloucester are perhaps a little shaky after being one of the form teams for so long.
In conclusion, a game to not get too involved in but if forced possibly Wasps on the plus 4.5 for minimal stakes.
Northampton v Bristol – Round 22
The Saints landed our best of the weekend at the Brentford Community Stadium last Saturday afternoon.
Falling behind to an unconverted try and penalty early on, they turned the match on its head and scored 42 unanswered points until finally the Exiles managed two late tries. It was an impressive try scoring performance in which they scored six tries and there’s no reason why this match shouldn’t be as entertaining.
The visitors were extremely plucky against Saracens and despite experiencing a poor season by their standards should make this another enjoyable fixture.
The referee is Matt Carley and the conditions may be affected by a sprinkle of rain.
Patchy’s Pick
One wonders which of the sides will pitch up in this match , with both sides guilty of some wayward displays throughout the season.
I think the handicap is well set and as a result just a small bet on my gut feel that suggest 2 Units on the Saints minus 4.5 points.
Worcester v Newcastle – Round 22
Worcester failed to have enough depth in the front row last weekend and were forced to concede their match to Gloucester.
Having played there was a small chance they could have picked up a losing bonus point or two. In what might be referred to as a battle of the also rans, it’s also best remembered that neither side will want to finish rock bottom despite no relegation fears this season to contend with.
The Falcons meanwhile have a win against Exeter at Sandy Park early on in the season and several fair performances behind their name this season, but it’s their lack of consistency which makes this game difficult to call.
Rookie Adam Leal in his 15th GP match takes charge and a 70% chance of showers are expected.
Patchy’s Pick
As it’s not a headline selection and the risk associated with both sides apparent, just 2 Units on the Falcons plus 2.5 points is the call.
London Irish v Harlequins – Round 22
The Exiles will be hoping last week’s inadequate performance at home was just a minor blimp in the radar this after enjoying a few good results in recent weeks.
This match could potentially throw the punters a curve ball should Irish decide to bounce back though I will oppose them this weekend again.
With the current Champions coming off a bye we can expect Quins to recall most of their 1st team players making the host’s task that much harder and I feel Irish may well be exposed here once again.
Surprisingly French referee Mathieu Raynal gets his 2nd duty as referee in the GP , the weather is fine.
Patchy’s Pick
Team selections will be crucial here but for now I quite happy too take 4 Units on Quins minus 1.5 points with a possibility of more.
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