A full-house of predictions last weekend – and four of them with Margin Points – has left me with green arrows all over Superbru. Here’s to continuing that form this time round.
Here are my Aviva Premiership predictions for Round 16.
Exeter v Northampton
The champions have now lost the last three in a row, are yet to record a league win in 2018, and have slipped off the top spot in the league. Northampton are trending in the opposite direction with two wins in the last three, but surely this has to be a win for the home team. Exeter by 6
Gloucester v Wasps
Despite a defeat at Worcester last weekend, Gloucester remains in the top four in the table, 6 points behind this weekend’s visitors. Wasps are putting together a strong run of form, including a win over the defending champions last weekend, and I’m leaning towards the away side for that reason. Wasps by 4
Bath v Sale Sharks
If Wasps do win at Kingsholm, Bath can leapfrog Gloucester into the top four with a win at home to Sale. You would expect them to win this one – the home side has won the last 6 meetings between these two. Bath by 13
Harlequins v Newcastle
Quins are also yet to record a league win in 2018, and host a resurgent Newcastle this weekend. The Falcons are back into the top 6, and only 3 points off the top four. However, this is a meeting of two sides that prefer home comforts – the home team has won this fixture on the last 8 occasions, and I’m backing Quins. Quins by 2
London Irish v Worcester
The Exiles are down and out and having failed to win since Round 1, and a win for the Warriors here and then a defeat away at Wasps next week would mathematically confirm their relegation. They have lost the last four by single-digit margins, so they are getting closer, but the Warriors are a better side. Worcester by 2
Saracens v Leicester
Sarries are back on top of the table, and can extend their lead with a home win here. They’ve won six of the last seven against the Tigers, and the smart money says they will do so again here. Saracens by 8
Bets
My treble on the Midlands teams last week brought home the money at odds of 2.35 on Leovegas. I’m on another treble this weekend, with Exeter, Bath and Saracens all to win at 1.68.
Follow Hutch on Twitter: @Hutch_James
Have a good weekend!
Bath were woeful last week but the pack is looking healthier for this game, with Obano and Thomas coming back to fitness, along with Falateau.
I think the backline is still pretty weak with the England players missing. Craig needs to sort out the squad, too often it seems Bath rely on loan players for large swathes of the season.
It is going to take a lot for an injury/ban strewn squad (both senior team and academy) for Wasps to win this one away. I am not so sure they can do it, much as I would like to see them do so, even if it is to challenge the duopoly of Sarries and Chiefs.