Photo copyright Steve Haag Sports
We enter Round 25, the penultimate weekend of round robin fixtures, and I need a serious change in form after coming unstuck in the Champions Cup last weekend.
I’ll be nailing my colours to the mast and make Sale, on the plus, my best bet of the weekend.
Bristol v Exeter – Round 25
Bristol have just the one win in their last six Premiership games and will need to up the ante if they are to provide an upset here.
It is a local derby, however, and that leans me into thinking that Bristol may provide some stern opposition but it’s unlikely to be enough.
There may be a scattering of showers throughout the day.
Patchy’s Pick
The bookies are on the ball here, the handicap is well set and I feel just a small interest of 2 units on Exeter minus 6.5 points deserves a mention.
Wasps v Sale – Round 25
The hosts are in good form and are unbeaten in their last four matches in the Premiership, this including the pulsating 42-42 draw at London Irish last time out.
Sale are a point above Wasps on the log and even though the top 4 is probably beyond them, they will want to finish in the top 8 – ensuring some European action next season.
Both sides come off losses to French opposition, Wasps were beaten narrowly in Lyon while Sale capitulated in Paris against Racing.
There is a similar forecast here as well, with showers expected at times.
Patchy’s Pick
This should be a very physical match and I strongly feel that the value here lies with Sale and their huge pack, it should be closely fought and 4 Units on Sale plus 5.5 points is a confident call from me.
Bath v London Irish – Round 25
I was lucky to attend the Rugby Cup Final at the Brentford Community Stadium on Tuesday night, compliments of the Exiles.
Despite dominating large periods of the match they were held to a draw, their 6th of the season ! They’ll look to ring the changes no doubt and I expect a strong bounce back here from them.
I had thought Bath were on a gradual trend of improvement, but I need to re-form my opinion after they were trounced 64-0 by Gloucester in their last outing. It was a shambolic performance to be frank. There’s bound to be improvement at home, as there often is, but I do feel that this game is London Irish’s to lose.
The weather is fine all day.
Patchy’s Pick
This game could create a little heartbreak with a little bit of luck and a bounce of the ball that may potentially be the difference but overall I think the Exiles have the focus to win this and I’m happy to launch 3 Units on the Exiles plus 1.5 handicap as a fair bet.
Harlequins v Gloucester – Round 25
Having enjoyed a wonderful season so far, highlighted by an amazing 64-0 drubbing of Bath last month, the Cherry and Whites should hold no fear for their upcoming visit to the Stoop on Saturday afternoon, though it should be noted that
Quins have beaten Gloucester in their last five Premiership fixtures with the closest margin of victory being three points and the largest 25.
The weather is good and we could be in for a few tries.
Patchy’s Pick
Overall, it’s been noted that Quins don’t like to cover their caps as frequently as you would expect and this opens up a fair opportunity to get on the Cherry and Whites with a plus 6.5-point handicap for 3 Units.
Newcastle v Leicester – Round 25
The Tigers have lost only four matches this season and top the log by just four points ahead of Saracens. All of those lost games have been on the road.
However, Newcastle’s home form makes for very ugly reading, having played 10 and with just the two wins against Newcastle and Wasps last year.
Patchy’s Pick
Newcastle at times can be a tricky team to catch on the handicap and a little caution is advised. That won’t stop me though, with a 3 Unit bet on the Tigers minus 9.5 points on the handicap as they look to end the last two round robin stages in convincing fashion.
Sunny spells on an artificial pitch should ensure an entertaining match.
Saracens v Northampton – Round 25
Saturday evening’s kick off has the potential to be an exciting game. Both sides are in decent form and with the weather likely to be good we should have a fair amount of points.
Saracens can be slow starters at home and I may be inclined to oppose them in the first half.
Patchy’s Pick
On a slightly different line here and I’m hoping that Northampton will start well, but it’s likely they could fade in the second half. However, and as a result, I will look for plus 4.5 or 5.5 on Saints first half handicap for 2.5 Units.
Have a wonderful weekend and happy punting! Follow me on Twitter @BrenHbetsnet to let me know how I’m doing!
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