Brendan ‘Patchy’ O’Connell previews Round 24 of the Gallagher Premiership with Northampton v Harlequins getting the schedule underway on Friday.
It was a quick return to reality last week after a successful Champions Cup had me crowing from the roof tops, so I’m hoping a more structured and modest approach this week can yield some healthy returns.
It’s a tough one to pick but I’ll state the Bristol Bears as my best of the weekend.
Northampton v Harlequins – Round 24
The Saints were just one of the nails in my coffin last week after they fought back courageously in the second half against Bath.
They currently occupy 4th place on the log and will want to keep the baying hounds at arm’s length for as long as possible.
However, they have a tough task here against Quins and run the risk of dropping to 5th place.
Patchy’s Pick
Not surprisingly it’s a tight game with the books, both sides play a similar game but I’ll edge towards Quins whose pack might give them the edge. 3 Units on the match winner market at a shade under 4/5.
Sale v Newcastle – Round 24
Sale still have a chance to make the playoffs as the run for the 4th place really hots up over the next few weekends.
They have a game in hand over the rest and can make it count against a Falcons side who were very poor last weekend and, in general, are even worse on the road.
The hosts can be an awkward side to rely on. But, surely the penny has to drop and they need to pick up a 5-point winning result here.
Patchy’s Pick
The Sharks can struggle with large caps and despite the Falcons abysmal showing last week I think they’ll do enough to beat this cap . But, just an interest of 2 Units Newcastle plus 15.5 points.
Gloucester v Bath – Round 24
Gloucester were the victims last week of a determined Bristol side who fought all the way to the final whistle.
They’ll be particularly focused for this game and should get the win.
What sort of Bath side pitches on the day is always the question and it will be left to chance as to what we get from them.
Patchy’s Pick
This handicap is very well placed, the Cherry and Whites have the ability to run away with this and Bath could show some heart and keep things tight.
I’ll give the hosts the nod witht 2 Units on Gloucester minus 12.5 points.
Leicester v Bristol – Round 24
Leicester have enjoyed a sensational season so far and conceded the game late on to Harlequins last weekend at the Stoop.
They appeared to be in control for large periods of that game but hats off to Quins who once again showed that they can never be discounted.
I fancied the Tigers in that one and that too resulted in a few losing tickets.
Bristol are improving fast and they’re a side who can look forward to a much better season in 2022/23.
In an exciting game last week that saw the lead change hands several times, a red card with 11 minutes to go but Bristol somehow managed to get their nose up where it counted most to deny Gloucester.
Patchy’s Pick
We were treated to a wonderful match in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day as the Tigers worked multiple phases to score several minutes after time was up.
I’m expecting another thriller here and with the improving Bears seemingly up for it I’ll wager 4 Units on the Bears plus 10.5 points.
Worcester v Saracens – Round 24
The Warrior’s season has been a woeful one at best and they face another potential thrashing when second on the log Saracens make their way to Worcester on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts have managed just 5 wins all season and, although those 5 wins all came at home, they’ll need to be at their very best then if they are to claim anything from this match.
In contrast, Saracens have won 15 games of 21 played and have managed 6 away wins from 10. They trailed Exeter at the break last week but found a strong second half display to win handsomely.
Saracens are a team that can follow up good performances with average ones and caution is advised but on paper can’t be opposed.
Patchy’s Pick
Another tricky looking cap that’s well placed. Cognisant of what I’ve mentioned I’ve reduced my stakes from 4 Units to 3 , Saracens minus 18.5 points on the handicap.
London Irish v Wasps – Round 24
The Exiles ensured it was baked beans for the remaining week as they tore into the Falcons last week and put paid to my best bet.
They’re right back in contention for the playoffs but could find Wasps a tough team to beat back at the Brentford Community Stadium.
It hasn’t been a great season for Wasps who were emphatic winners against the Warriors last week and may will be the side to follow this afternoon.
Patchy’s Pick
It’s a choice game and initially I had hoped for a small plus on Wasps.
For the second week running I’m opposing the Exiles, 3 Units on Wasps on the match winner market, nullifying the draw.
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