By Wellsaint
February 18 2005

After a week off we're back with a look at this weekend's upcoming action in the Premiership. Saints face a hard trip to Wasps whilst there is a real "ten pointer" at the Stoop as Quins and Worcester get it on. Zurich Premiership Betting Preview Round 16 Matches


Sale v Leeds

Sale should be too strong for a Leeds side that are still not out of danger at the wrong end of the table. Assuming Sale can play something close to their first choice side, I take them to beat Leeds by around 15 points. This is uncomfortably close to the handicap line of Leeds receiving a 13 point start so I am swerving this game for betting purposes.

Gloucester v Bath

A difficult game to call as both sides have been in-and-out of form all year. Gloucester are very hard to beat at Kingsholm and I think the Kingsholm factor is the deciding factor for me in plumping for Gloucester to win by six.

Leicester v Newcastle - Live on Sky

Leicester are seemingly running away with the Premiership and should take a further step to ensure that they are on top of the table at the end of the regular season. Leicester to win by 12 points.

Harlequins v Worcester

A potential ten-pointer this, bringing together the bookies' favourites for the drop, Worcester, and Harlequins. And it's a difficult one to call - Harlequins winning easily last time out against Gloucester despite playing over half the game with 14 and Worcester beating Leeds at home. Both sides will have marked this game as a "must win" but the pressure is probably more on Quins as the home side. I take Quins to win by two points. Not one for the mortgage, I feel!

Wasps v Northampton

Currently bottom, Saints travel to the Causeway (or as we have begun to call it, the Lost Causeway) with points a must. Wasps are in something of a slump at the moment, out of Europe and out of form generally. Nethertheless this represents a stern test for Saints. We need to start getting points, but I really can't see them coming here. Wasps by ten.

Saracens v London Irish

Saracens are on something of a roll at present and should be able to beat Irish with something to spare. Sarries by twelve.