Zurich Premiership Betting Preview Round 11

By Wellsaint
November 26 2004

This round of matches marks the halfway point of the season. You could say it's been an eventful season so far, especially over the last few days... and the first fixture for the new regime has a familiar ring to it - Newcastle v Saints.

Zurich Premiership Betting Preview - Round Eleven


Friday's games


Worcester v Wasps

Worcester won their first away game in the Premiership last week (nuf sed) whilst Wasps drew their game against Leicester. The handicap line on the game gives Worcester a 9 to 12 point start. However, Wasps beat Gloucester by 10 away two weeks ago - and I think that Wasps could well beat Worcester by two clear scores. In the main, Worcester have kept it close at home, but lost heavily to Leicester two weeks ago. Accordingly, I take Wasps to cover the handicap, although it's not one for the mortgage.

Gloucester v Sale

Sale's results are definitely taking a turn for the worse whilst the internationals are on and a trip to Gloucester isn't a gimme at the best of times. That said, Gloucester too are in something of a blip - a rare loss at home to Wasps and then beaten by Sarries. With home advantage, the sensible call is Gloucester - but the handicap is 10 to 12 points (in one place, the handicap is only 7). Giving up 7 points, I could be tempted - 12, I'd have to think long and hard - I take Gloucester by ten.


Saturday's game

Leicester v Saracens

Saracens won last week at home against Gloucester and travel to face a Tigers side who split the points with Wasps. Difficult to see this as anything other than a home win as Leicester win by twelve.


Sunday's games

Bath v London Irish

Bath beat Leeds in a thriller last Friday night whilst Irish saw off Newcastle at home last weekend. Again, I think home advantage will be crucial here as Bath win by eight.

Harlequins v Leeds

You wait all year for a win, and two come along at once. (Seems a vaguely familiar concept...) Harlequins should have the beating of Leeds, and I take them to win by six.

Newcastle v Northampton

It's the start of a new era for Northampton after last Monday's off the field activity. I still maintain it's a pity that the sacking didn't happen a good deal earlier. Still, onwards and upwards - and there's something of a familiar ring to this, as the first game under the new regime is Newcastle away. A repeat of the 28-13 scoreline would be extremely welcome at this point! It would be absolutely wonderful to start with a win - but I don't think we will. I expect a much improved performance, but I think this is a very, very big ask. I take Falcons to win by five.