Couch Critic previews a selection of English Premiership rugby matches including Sale Sharks v Wasps, Gloucester v Saracens, Bath v Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs v Bristol Bears with best bets from @Olimp_SA

We have to move our attention to the North to get our dose of rugby action for the rest of 2019. There has been plenty of attention on the Gallagher Premiership this past week after the big news regarding Saracens’ financial breach. With plenty happening off the field in England (also having to cope with the World Cup final loss) here is how I see things panning out in a few of the Premiership games this weekend.

Sale Sharks vs Wasps (Friday @ 21:45)

I was pretty bullish about the Sharks’ last weekend yet they ended up narrowly missing out against Bristol Bears in an arm wrestle. Wasps suffered an opening round home defeat to London Irish (who haven’t been able to win another game since) and have only been able to beat Bath who are currently at the bottom of the log. I reckon the KZN flavoured Sale side will be back to their sharpest selves on Friday night.

Betting angle: I don’t see Wasps being able to live with the Sale Sharks at the AJ Bell.

Best Bet: Sale Sharks to win and beat the handicap of -10.5 @ 1.84 with BETOLIMP

BETOLIMP Special Offer 1: Dan du Preez to score a try in the match @ 3.53

BETOLIMP Special Offer 2: Akker van der Merwe to score the first try @ 14.50

Gloucester vs Saracens (Saturday @ 17:00)

Gloucester suffered their first defeat of the season in their last outing when I was pretty confident of them getting the job done. I’m prepared to write that off as a temporary blip and reckon Ackerman’s crew will be back at their best at Kingsholm on Saturday. People are divided as to how Saracens are going to come out in reaction to their financial “misconduct” issue. Some believe they will know they need to pick up as many points as possible in the Premiership knowing that they have to make up for the coming penalty. Others will be worried that the wind will be well and truly out of their sails given current developments.

Betting angle: Gloucester have been playing some pretty decent rugby thus far (apart from last week’s mishap) and I reckon they will pitch up keen to do some damage. Whilst everyone is wondering about what to expect from the Saracens players I have come to the conclusion from the English media that there are plenty of teams and players who feel the champion team is getting exactly what they deserve. It could be a case of putting the boot in and kicking them whilst their down at Kingsholm. Also watch out for Joe Simpson who has been in tryscoring mode behind the bruising Gloucester pack.

Best Bet: Gloucester to win and beat the handicap of - 16.5 @ 1.82 with BETOLIMP

Bath vs Northampton Saints (Saturday @ 17:00)

Northampton have started strongly but there is still little to chose between teams at this early stage of the tournament. Home ground does count for plenty but the Saints will be full of confidence at resent. For mind this game is a coin toss and given the price offered on the visitors it could be worth a nibble to back the log leaders here.

Exeter Chiefs vs Bristol Bears (Sunday 16:3)

The Chiefs are yet to find their best form whilst Bristol have been scrapping well. Exeter should be able to get the job done but things might not be as comfortable as many expect in this one.

Bet: Double – Saints +7.5 onto Bristol +17.5 @ 1.70

Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change

Couch Critic