Harlequins vs Northampton Saints
The Champions Harlequins will be hoping for some festive cheer when they entertain the Saints in Big Game 13 at Twickenham. Saints have lost both their previous matches to Racing and Ulster respectively in the Champions Cup. Quins will need to win this match without their star flyhalf Marcus Smith and his replacement Will Edwards will have big boots to fill. Saints are currently in fourth position on the log one point and one place better than Harlequins. The winner of this match will be alone in the fourth and final playoff position.
TIP: Harlequins have not been at their best this season but maybe they are going to peak when the playoffs come around like last season. They will need to start winning some games or else they will be in real danger of not making the playoffs. They need players like Tyrone Green and Andre Esterhuizen to regain the form from last season when they were almost unstoppable in the latter stage of the season. The bookies have Quins as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.40, Playabets 1.42 and Sunbet 1.43
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Harlequins vs Northampton Saints
- Harlequins have won four of the last five encounters between these sides.
- The last four matches have been won by Harlequins
- Prior to this winning streak Harlequins had lost four in a row to Saints.
Latest results for both teams
Harlequins beat Cardiff 43-17 in their last match while the Saints lost 27-22 tо Ulster in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Harlequins team are famous for their attacking ability but it is their forwards that are also very impressive. The likes of Alex Dombrandt and Joe Marler have forced their way into the England team and will be keen to use their power to give their forwards the edge. The Saints have captain Courtney Lawes and Dan Biggar back for this match and these two internationals always bring out the best in their team. Saints and Quins play a high tempo game and you can expect plenty of tries. I am predicting Harlequins to win this high scoring match by 8 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Harlequins
15 Tyrone Green, 14 Louis Lynagh, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 Will Edwards, 9 Danny Care, 8 Alex Dombrandt, 7 Jack Kenningham, 6 Tom Lawday, 5 Stephan Lewies (c), 4 Matt Symons, 3 Will Collier, 2 Jack Walker, 1 Joe Marler
Northampton Saints
5 George Furbank, 14 Ollie Sleightholme, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Lewis Ludlam (c), 6 Courtney Lawes, 5 Api Ratuniyarawa, 4 David Ribbans, 3 Ehren Painter, 2 Sam Matavesi, 1 Alex Waller
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Harlequins victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.40
Playabets 1.42
Sunbet 1.43
Odds comparison on the Harlequins handicap victory :
The complete odds on the Harlequins handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (-5.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-5.5) 1.88
Playabets (-5.5) 1.89
Predictions and Odds in details
The Saints will want to use their major attacking weapon the driving maul but Quins have been good with their maul defence this season so it should be an intriguing contest. Dan Biggar will need to be very accurate with his kicking as Harlequins have three of the best counter attackers in the league. The best chance of victory for Saints will be for them to attack the inexperienced number 10 Will Edwards and if they can disrupt him them they could cause an upset. There are decent returns on the Quins outright win but the value bet is Quins on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-5.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-5.5) 1.88 and Playabets (-5.5) 1.89
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.
