ZP Betting Preview for games played 6-7 February
By Wellsaint with Come In Number 10
February 6 2004
It's back to domestic action this week (only six matches to assess - a welcome change!) Some interesting matchups, with first playing second, Leicester facing a trip to Sale, and Saints at home to a Roth side desperate for a change of luck. Let's see how we're going to lose cash this week, then..
ZP PREVIEW FOR MATCHES PLAYED 6-7 FEBRUARY
Friday Night's Games
Sale Sharks v Leicester Tigers
Well, here's one that's hard to call, and that's no mistake! Both teams
were knocked out of the Heineken last weekend, and Leicester parted
company with Dean Richards. So who's going to win this game? Not an
easy call - the cup game between these two went to extra time. In such
instances, where it's hard to call, home advantage is normally the
deciding factor for me. Sale by five. ComeInNumber10 has contacted me
and he disagrees on this - subscribing to the new broom theory? - and
takes Leicester to win by 4.
Leeds Tykes v London Irish
Leeds, also knocked out of the Heineken last weekend, face an Irish side
who have had two weeks off. Again not the easiest of games to call -
depends as much as anything on how rusty Irish are after two weeks off.
That nagging doubt, and home advantage, swing me towards Leeds by six.
ComeinNumber10 agrees and has the margin as 5.
Saturday's games
Bath v London Wasps
First versus second - and if Bath are to be beaten for the title, it is
a must win game for Wasps. Bath are through to the semis of the second
tier European Competition, whilst Wasps are through to the Heineken
quarters. Wasps performance against Perpignan was clinical in parts, but
this is a big, big, ask. Are there any easy games to call this weekend?!
Home advantage...etc...etc... Bath by two in a classic. ComeinNumber10
has a different take on this and thinks that Bath will be beaten by 8.
Gloucester v Newcastle Falcons
Gloucester, through to the quarters of the Heineken face a Newcastle side
who have had a layoff due to being knocked out of Europe early. Only
one result here I feel, and that is a home win. The only question is by
what margin - Gloucester by 12 is my call. CinNo10 says Glos by 15.
NEC Harlequins v Saracens
Quins have won through to the semis of their competition whilst Sarries
bowed out last weekend. Sarries are not having the best of seasons, and
I take Quins to beat them with something to spare. Quins by 15. CinNo10
thinks another three points in it, again - Quins by 18.
Northampton Saints v Rotherham Titans
Northampton... well at least we can concentrate on the ZP - Rotherham lost
in the third tier Euro competition by one point over the two legs. A
tad unfortunate for them, as this was a compy where they stood a genuine
chance of making their mark. I'm not adding to previous comments on last
week's game at the Gardens - but it does raise one question - which version
of Saints will we see this week? The Agen beating, Leicester nilling
version, or the "how did we lose that" version? Wearing my optimistic
hat (all right, I borrowed a hat, you guys know I think optimistic is
somewhere you go to get your eyes tested - and I know a few refs who are
overdue a visit...) I think that Saints will win this with something to
spare. One word of caution though... since bringing in Steph Nel as the
coach, and some new players, Roth look a better side. Had this happened
earlier in the season, I wonder what the gap at the bottom of the table
would be like - not as large, I'd wager. Saints by.. best guestimmate
is 20. ComeinNumber10 concurs.
This Weekend's Handicaps
Sale are 3 to 5 point favourites. At the lower end of the scale, I'd be
tempted. ComeinNumber10 has a ready made bet here!!
Leeds are between 0 and three point favs, and off levels, I'd favour the
home side. Not for big money, mind!
Is this a misprint? Wasps are 2 point favourites to beat Bath? Have I
missed a trick here? Bath receiving 2 points start at the Rec? Time for
a bet, methinks... ComeinNumber10 will be behind me, betting on Wasps!!
Gloucester are 10 to 13 point favourites, too near the mark, no bet.
Harlequins are 9 to 12 point favourites and should beat the line.
Finally, Saints are 25-28 point favourites. Line could be on the high
side; I'm giving this a swerve.
From my perspective best bets appear to be:
Quins giving up 9
Bath receiving 2
Leeds off scratch
Sale giving up 3
Recommended bet: Bankers Quins and Bath with one of either Sale or
Leeds; two trebles.
Enjoy the weekend's games and...
COME ON YOU SAINTS!!!
Wellsaint and ComeInNumber10