In another thrilling weekend of Gallagher Premiership action, under fire Leicester entertain Saints at Welford Road while Harlequins face Saracens at The Stoop.
Friday 17 November
Bath 27/100 | Draw 22/1 | Bristol 10/1
After losing twice in succession, Bath got back to winning ways at the Kingsholm last week to go third. Playing at home and against a Bears side currently on a three-game losing run, they’ll be eager to capitalise here.
Bristol’s two opening wins have been offset by recent losses to Quins, Chiefs and Sale and they now find themselves in seventh with ground already to make up in the race for the top four. They’ll definitely keep it tight on Friday but should fall to a determined Bath side.
Verdict: Bristol (+9.5) 5/6
Bristol shouldn’t lose out by much.
Sale 1/100 | Draw 50/1 | Newcastle 10/1
Last season’s runners-up Sale are second with a handsome four-from-five record and head into this one off the back of wins over Gloucester and Bristol. They should be far too strong for winless Falcons at the AJ Bell.
Newcastle are rooted to the bottom of the standings and were most recently swatted aside 12-50 by Saracens at Kingston Park. News that star winger Mateo Carreras is leaving at the end of the season will have done nothing to improve the mood at the Northern club.
Verdict: Sale (-28.5) 17/20
Sale should make light work of struggling Newcastle.
Saturday 18 November
Tigers 42/100 | Draw 21/1 | Saints 9/5
The Tigers have started slowly, winning just once so far to sit in lowly ninth. The presence of World Cup winners Handre Pollard and Jasper Wiese gave them a boost against ‘Quins before their ultimate defeat, but they should be more up to speed come Saturday.
Northampton are fourth after three straight wins. Unfortunately for them, they could be facing a much-improved Leicester outfit here.
Verdict: Leicester (-5.5) 87/100
Tigers should be well and truly up for this.
Harlequins 29/20 | Draw 20/1 | Saracens 11/20
Table-toppers Harlequins picked up a great win at Leicester last week to make it four on the bounce but will face a litmus test of note against Saracens here. They’ll back themselves to get it done at The Stoop but it should be a tight affair.
Sarries have won their last three after a slow start and will know a win on Saturday would provide them with a major boost. Their experienced heads could well see them over the line.
Verdict: Harlequins (+2.5) 10/11
Saracens should sneak it, but not by much.
Sunday 19 November
Exeter Chiefs 19/100 | Draw 33/1 | Gloucester 10/3
Exeter are fifth, having faced some strong opposition already this season. Coming up against Gloucester at Sandy Park here and visiting Falcons next week, Rob Baxter’s men will be aiming for a full haul of 10 log points over the next fortnight.
The Cherry and Whites are eighth after three losses on the trot and could struggle in Exeter.
Verdict: Chiefs (-11.5) 5/6
Exeter to clear the handicap here.
