Northampton Saints vs Worcester Warriors
Both these teams are coming of losses although the Saints lost a tough encounter away from home at Wasps while Worcester were crushed 48-3 at home by the Tigers. The Warriors are on a horror run of four defeats on the trot in the new season. Things don’t get any easier for them as they play the Saints at Franklin Gardens, a venue that they have never won at before. Despite that defeat against Wasps, the Saints will be confident heading into this clash. They have a superb record at home and play a team that is struggling both on attack and defence. The Warriors were excited when they signed two British Lions in Duhan van der Merwe and Rory Sutherland but that has turned out to be a damp squid. Van der Merwe has not fired a shot in anger let alone score a try while Sutherland has struggled to gain ascendancy at scrum time.
TIP: The departure of their long time half back combination of Francois Hougaard and Duncan Weir seem to have severely hurt the Warriors especially in attack. They were devoid of ideas in the loss against the Tigers only scoring from a penalty. The Saints boast one of the best attacks in the league with dangerous runners all through the team. They have the brilliant Dan Biggar at 10 who pulls the strings for the team. He is the conductor in a team that loves to run and has Ollie Sleightholme and George Furbank who are exceptional at running from the back with their speed and great counter attacking skills. If the Warriors don’t shore up their defence then they Saints will run them ragged. The bookies have the home team as heavy favourites and I’m also tipping them for a big win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.11, Playabets 1.09 and Sunbet 1.10
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Northampton Saints vs Worcester Warriors
- Saints have won their last five matches against the Warriors.
- Saints have never lost a home game against the Warriors.
- The last time the Warriors beat the Saints was in 2017.
Latest results for both teams
Saints lost their last match against Wasps 26-20 while the Warriors lost 48-3 to Leicester Tigers in their last match..
PREDICTION
The Saints team aren’t afraid to attack from their own half and the Warriors must be aware not to kick aimlessly otherwise the back three of the Saints will have a field day. The hard work starts in the forwards and the Saints have two star players in their pack. British Lion Courtney Lawes and South African Juarno Augustus are both players with an incredible work rate and Augustus in particular has been one of the stand out players this season. Worcester needs to find a way to get their star winger Van der Merwe more into the game. Their backline must find some space for him because that’s when he is at his most dangerous. The Saints will look to attack them early and keep the pressure on a team lacking confidence and that’s the reason I predict a home win by more than 20 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Northampton Saints
15 George Furbank, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Ollie Sleightholme, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Lewis Ludlam (c), 6 Courtney Lawes, 5 Api Ratuniyarawa, 4 David Ribbans, 3 Paul Hill, 2 Sam Matavesi, 1 Nick Auterac
Worcester Warriors
15 Harri Doel, 14 Perry Humphreys, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Francois Venter (cc), 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Billy Searle, 9 Will Chudley, 8 Sione Vailanu, 7 Sam Lewis, 6 Kyle Hatherell, 5 Justin Clegg, 4 Andrew Kitchener, 3 Christian Judge, 2 Scott Baldwin (cc), 1 Rory Sutherland
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Leinster victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.11
Playabets 1.09
Sunbet 1.10
Odds comparison on the Northampton Saints handicap :
The complete odds on the Northampton Saints handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-16.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-16.5) 1.92
Playabets (-15.5) 1.84
Predictions and Odds in details
The Saints have traditionally always prided themselves on having a dominant pack and this season this is certainly the case. The Warriors cannot allow the Saints forwards to overpower them otherwise the platform will be set for the potent backline to cause havoc. The Saints have scored a lot of tries through their rolling maul. This has been strength for them for the past few seasons. It is very difficult to defend against so the Warriors must make certain that their discipline is good and that they don’t give them opportunities to unleash the maul. There is no money for punters backing the Saints on the outright victory therefore I suggest a value bet on the Saints handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-16.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-16.5) 1.92 and Playabets (-15.5) 1.84
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.
