Round 23 of the Gallagher Premiership gets under way on Friday night and, after calling 7/8 in the Champions Cup last week, I’m confident of another great weekend.
The Falcons lead the charge and I make them the bet of the weekend.
Bristol v Gloucester – Round 23
Bristol are out of contention for a top 4 finish but have proved in recent weeks that they are no slouches, particularly if you take their recent Champions Cup form into consideration. They’ll give the top 4-seeking Gloucester a tough match Friday night, that I’m sure of.
After being one of the form sides for so long, the Cherry and Whites have fallen off the pace somewhat and are 0/3 in their last three away matches in the Premiership, though it’s important to note that those were against Exeter, Leicester and Sale respectively.
Patchy’s Pick
As the betting suggests this should play out as a tight match and with the plus 4.5 Gloucester snapped up earlier in the week the value is gone.
I might look at unders, potentially around the 50.5-point market seeing that it’s an important game for the visitors and one they’ll be focused in getting at least a point from.
Newcastle v London Irish – Round 23
London Irish’s season appears to have run its race and I’m expecting more bad news when they travel to Newcastle on Friday night.
Both sides are not trustworthy. However, when it comes to your hard-earned cash but I’m going to give the hosts a rare exemption here and think they represent really good value and think the bookies have priced up the wrong favourite.
Patchy’s Pick
The dogs are out and I’m risking my best bet of the weekend on the Falcons here, 5 Units on the Falcons plus 3.5 points.
Bath v Northampton – Round 23
Bath are still rooted to the bottom of the table but have made some headway on Worcester who lie just 3 points above them.
They welcome Saints, a side renowned for blowing hot and cold but who could easily put Bath to bed.
However, I think this game will be decided by a few points only and am leaning towards the hosts.
Patchy’s Pick
Even though I fancy Bath here I had hoped for a slightly bigger handicap, so with that in mind I’ll reduce my stake to 3 Units on Bath plus 2.5 points.
Harlequins v Leicester – Round 23
Quins were unlucky last week and may well have qualified for the final 8 in the Champions Cup but for an unfortunate missed conversion.
However, it wasn’t to be and they don’t have much time to ponder on what might have been. They face the season’s most improved and consistent side who have answered every question asked of them. It should be a bruising battle and for now I’m leaning towards the Tigers for this one.
Patchy’s Pick
The Tigers have been brilliant and I’m going to stake 3 Units on minus 0.5 points.
Wasps v Worcester – Round 23
It hasn’t been a great season for Wasps but they can put Worcester to the sword here in a display that will encourage their fans for better times next season. They certainly have the potential to put a fair number on the visitors, who themselves appear to be ready for the summer break.
Patchy’s Pick
A fairly confident call here, 4 Units on Wasps minus 12.5 points .
Saracens v Exeter – Round 23
Another mouth-watering fixture to round off the weekend takes place at the X-Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Saracens will look to keep 2nd place their own but should be fought all the way to the wire by an improving and full-strength Exeter.
Patchy’s Pick
I’m not massively confident here but I do feel the home side are the ones to be with. Just the 2 Units on Sarries minus 6.5 points.
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