By Wellsaint
November 25 2005

It's Week Nine in the Guinness Premiership and Wellsaint takes a look at what the weekend has to offer for the punter.

Guinness Premiership Betting Preview Week Nine

Friday night's games

Bath v Leeds - live on Sky

Both teams find themselves in the bottom reaches of the table; Leeds picked up their first win of the season last week whilst Bath lost to Wasps. Although Bath will be affected more by international call-ups they should be able to see Leeds off and win this game by nine.

Leicester v London Irish

Leicester will be more affected by call-ups than London Irish, who so far look to be the surprise package in the Premiership - many people thought that they would be struggling again this season, whereas they are currently in third behind Sale and Wasps. Possibly not after tonight though - Leicester should win, but I think the margin is likely to be quite small - Tigers by six.


Tomorrow's breakfast time matches

Gloucester v Saracens

Possibly the closest match-up of the weekend - both teams having good seasons - home advantage being the chief reason for selecting a Gloucester win by two points.

Northampton v Worcester

Another crucial home game for Saints, this time against a Worcester side that seem to have adjusted to life very well at this level. I know that I'm not the most optimistic person in these parts, but I'm wondering exactly where the next win's coming from - because I don't think it's going to come here, as Worcester's pack are a good match for ours. The injury factor is also beginning to get worrying, although having Big Ben back from the England squad is a major plus. I predict
a low-scoring encounter; and a Worcester win by five.


Sunday's games

Bristol v Sale

Even with all of their international players away, Sale should be able to see off Bristol, but it may be a very close game - Sale by four.

Newcastle v Wasps

Newcastle are also stuggling at the present time and Wasps must be favourites to win this game, which I take them to do by nine points.


GENERAL WARNING

Keep the stakes on the low side, not just because it's international weekend, but with the weather conditions turning generally more wintry I think the games will all be close (hence the biggest win prediction being nine points) - giving up a seven point start if the weather is cruddy is massive, far more so than in the early autumn or in the spring.