Premiership predictions: Harlequins to compound Exeter Chiefs’ misery, another Ashton Gate thriller and Saracens to declaw Tigers
Saracens, Harlequins and Bristol could be in line for big wins this weekend.
The latest round of the Premiership season is fast approaching, and there are five more enthralling games for us to sink our teeth into this weekend.
There’s a top-of-the-table clash between Saracens and Leicester Tigers, defending champions Northampton Saints head to fellow entertainers Bristol Bears in a hotly anticipated clash, Gloucester face a Newcastle side looking to make it two wins on the spin, Sale Sharks venture south to meet Bath and winless Exeter will hope to turn their season around with a win over Harlequins.
Here are our predictions for Round Six of the Premiership season.
Bristol Bears v Northampton Saints
It could quite easily be a scoreathon at Ashton Gate on Friday night, and that should whet the appetite of the neutral fan. Bristol and Northampton are capable of some scintillating attacking rugby and come into the game in good touch on this side of the ball. Pat Lam’s men could return to the top of the table with a win, however, defending champions Northampton would leapfrog their opponents and enter the top four for the first time this year with a bonus-point win. It won’t be boring that’s for sure.
Head-to-head: There are plenty of exciting head-to-heads to watch at Ashton Gate this weekend, but the battle between X-factor wingers George Hendy and Gabriel Ibitoye could easily define the game. Both backs have the ability to create a chance from nothing, and can flip the game on its head in a matter of seconds
Players to watch: Outside of this head-to-head, there are a few players who could define the outcome of the game. Back-rowers Fitz Harding and Henry Pollock had brilliant outings last weekend and will once again look to impress, as will Bristol centre Joe Jenkins, who has been punching well above his weight this season in their midfield.
Prediction: In terms of predictions, attacks will likely be on top for most of the game which should be reflected in the scoreline. Bristol are potentially a tad more consistent going forward than Northampton and should therefore just edge this one. 45-38.
Gloucester v Newcastle Falcons
It’s last season’s bottom two meeting for the first time on Saturday afternoon, but they both come into the game in improved shape. The Cherry and Whites have developed a lovely attacking game, and whilst they aren’t quite getting results off the back of it just yet they are playing without fear. On the flip side, Newcastle have stripped everything down to a more simplistic approach, with everything built off hard work and grit; and that got them over the line last weekend for their first Premiership win in 19 months.
Head-t0-head: The main head-to-head this weekend should be between England internationals Zach Mercer and Callum Chick at number eight. Both players are vital to the way their team play, and will once again need to step up this time out.
Players to watch: Gloucester’s Max Llewellyn has potentially been the form back in the Premiership thus far, and will be looking to end the first block of fixtures on a high before heading back into Wales camp. Elsewhere, Tomos Williams is in red-hot form, and Newcastle’s Sammy Arnold was impressive in their win last weekend.
Prediction: Whilst the victory will have done Newcastle the world of good last weekend, it could be a tough ask making it two wins on the spin. Gloucester’s attack, when it clicks, is fantastic and this should get them over the line. 35-14.
Bath v Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks will be licking their wounds after last week’s dismantling by Northampton Saints, but the Rec isn’t the best place to turn things around. Bath are looking incredibly hungry this season, and this has turned winning into a habit in the West Country. Both sides have shown they can play in different ways though, able to blend some nice attacking flourishes with brutal work up front, and that creates a seriously appetising content.
Head-to-head: Two England hopefuls will be going head-to-head this weekend at full-back, as Tom de Glanville and Joe Carpenter will tango at the Rec. Both players have been in good touch so far this season and will be hoping they can prove a point to Steve Borthwick over a direct rival in the pecking order.
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Key players: The scrum has become a key weapon for both sides this season, and props Beno Obano and Asher Opoku-Fordjour will once again be at the heart of it this weekend. Finn Russell, as usual, is the pick of the bunch.
Prediction: Predicting this one is pretty tough, but Bath should have enough to get over the line at home. Their win over Harlequins proved they know how to put on a full 80-minute performance, and that will be crucial in beating Sale. 24-19.
Saracens v Leicester Tigers
The way these teams are playing right now, this could easily be a semi-final come the end of the season. Both sides have been in very good form in the opening rounds of the Premiership, but importantly have evolved their style of play from last season and taken it up a gear. Saracens have added a new zip into their attack, on top of their already solid defence too, and Tigers have taken things back to ‘the Leicester way’ and are winning games off the back of it. This will likely be the game of the weekend.
Head-to-head: It might not be the obvious pick, but young guns Tobias Elliott and Ollie Hassell-Collins could be the main men this weekend. Both wingers have had solid starts to the season and can slice through defences with ease. Will be a really interesting battle.
Key players: Saracens number eight Tom Willis will be stewing he’s not with the England squad this weekend, however, he will likely be the primary ball carrier for his side this weekend.
Prediction: The scoreline probably won’t be crazy, and defences will likely be on top, but the fact it’s at the StoneX hands itself to a Saracens win. 21-14.
Exeter Chiefs v Harlequins
An intriguing game at Sandy Park this weekend, as Exeter welcome Harlequins. Both sides have struggled with closing games out so far this season, so this could be the one they both target to prove to themselves they can do it. Exeter come into the game incredibly down in the dumps after their defeat to Newcastle last weekend, however, Harlequins should feel fairly confident performance-wise, but the manner of their defeat could scar them.
Head-to-head: Fly-half head-to-heads are always such an important part of the game, but the clash between Exeter’s Harvey Skinner and Harlequins’ Jarrod Evans is especially interesting. Both players seem to go under the radar a touch, however, they are capable of some clever touches. Skinner’s last outing against Quins also virtually derailed their season, so he should take plenty of confidence from that.
Key players: The back-row battle will be mega, with the likes of Exeter’s Ross Vintcent and Harlequins men Jack Kenningham and Will Evans facing off. Olly Woodburn has been in decent form despite Exeter’s struggles, and Tyrone Green is such a livewire in the backfield, and we should expect him to have a huge game at Sandy Park.
Prediction: Harlequins haven’t found much success in Devon in recent seasons, however, that should change this weekend. Exeter just look so devoid of any confidence at the moment, and even with the Sandy Park faithful behind them it could be another loss on the cards. 14-32.