Sale Sharks vs Harlequins
Sale play host to Harlequins in this crucial Gallagher Premiership match. Its that time of the season when both these teams are scrambling to secure a playoff position. The visitors are currently in 4th spot while the host are in 8th place but there are only five points separating them on the table. If sale win with a bonus point and deny Quins any bonus points, then the teams will be on the same points. It remains to be seen what the heroic performance of the visitors in Bordeaux last week has taken out of them. Sale will want a fast start as their team is refreshed for this match.
TIP: The bench of Sale could prove to be decisive in this match as Quins will feel the fatigue in the second half. The home team must not let the visitors get off to a fast start as playing catch up is not really the Sale way. The home team have arguably the most physical pack in the league and will be looking to dominate the Quins pack. If they manage this, then the visitors will not have a platform to paly their running game. The bookies have Sale as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.40, Gbets 1.40 and Hollywoodbets 1.41
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Sale Sharks vs Harlequins
- The last four matches between the sides have seen two wins apiece.
- The home side has only won two of the last six matches.
Latest results for both teams
The Sale Sharks lost 23-15 to the Ospreys in their last match while Harlequins beat Bordeaux 42-41 in their last match.
PREDICTION
This match will be the ultimate in different styles of play with the home team all about brute power while the visitors are prepared to run from any part of the field. The Quins pack are no pushovers with the likes of Alex Dombrandt and Chandler Cunningham-South. The latter played the match of his young career last time out and will be again severely tested when he come up against Ben Curry. The highlight of the match is the contest between the two men going for the England ten jersey, Marcus Smith and George Ford. It is safe to say the winner of this contest will go a long way to winning the match for their team. I am predicting a Sale win by 4 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Sale Sharks
15 Joe Carpenter, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Rob du Preez, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Arron Reed, 10 George Ford, 9 Gus Warr, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez, 7 Sam Dugdale, 6 Ben Curry (c), 5 Josh Beaumont, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 James Harper, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Bevan Rodd
Harlequins
15 Tyrone Green, 14 Cadan Murley, 13 Oscar Beard, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Louis Lynagh, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Will Porter, 8 Alex Dombrandt, 7 Will Evans, 6 Chandler Cunningham-South, 5 Stephan Lewies (c), 4 Irne Herbst, 3 Dillon Lewis, 2 Sam Riley, 1 Joe Marler
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sale victory are as follows:
Betway 1.40
Gbets 1.40
Hollywoodbets 1.41
Odds comparison on the Harlequins handicap:
The complete odds on the Harlequins handicap:
Betway 1.90 (+7.5)
Gbets 1.90 (+7.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.90 (+7.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Sale outright win therefore we suggest backing the away team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (+7.5)
Gbets 1.90 (+7.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.90 (+7.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Glasgow vs Sharks
Ulster vs Cardiff
Saracens vs Gloucester
Connacht vs Zebre
Edinburgh vs Scarlets
Benetton vs Dragons
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
