Aviva Premiership 2014/2015: Round 4 Predictions

London Welsh vs Gloucester

Both sides had huge upheaval over the off season and both of their performances on the pitch so far have reflected that. London Welsh simply have to find a way to shut the floodgates – they average over 50 points conceded per game so far, which is in no way sustainable if they have any designs on still being in the relegation fight by Christmas. Gloucester have the firepower to run riot against a leaky defence, but have had their own issues in that department – all of which means this could be a fairly high-scoring game.

The visitors look the more likely to win this one, and although London Welsh’s defence simply can’t be as bad as it has been, it should still be relatively comfortable. Gloucester by 12.

Leicester Tigers vs London Irish

The Tigers’ injury crisis is getting a bit silly now. They’ve had to draft a loanee prop from Bedford into the squad for cover, and only have two locks in the matchday squad. They were pummelled last week by Bath, all of which adds up to a much trickier fixture than this one looked initially. London Irish have been somewhat of a surprise package this season, pushing both Harlequins and Saracens close already. With Shane Geraghty pulling the strings they are playing some brilliantly exciting rugby, and with such an underpowered Tigers pack on the pitch, they’ll be confident of not getting bullied there either.

The Tigers are a proud team and know they need to bounce back. Their line-up looks horrendously make-shift, but there are still enough good players there to get them the win at home – just. Leicester by 3.

Saracens vs Sale Sharks

This is one of the easier ones to call this weekend – although you say that at your peril this season. Sarries were a touch lucky to come away with a win against London Irish last weekend, while Sale got their first win of the campaign with a gimme home fixture against London Welsh. The hosts have lost Owen Farrell to injury, but Charlie Hodgson had stormed out of the blocks in the opening two rounds of this campaign that it won’t be too keenly-felt a loss.

This should be a fairly regulation home win. Saracens by 15.

Northampton Saints vs Bath

This is comfortably the biggest game of the weekend. Bath have been the most impressive side of the opening three rounds, but they now face a true acid test of how good they are this season. Win at Franklin’s Gardens, and everyone will sit up and take notice. George Ford has been running the show with impressive maturity, and the likes of Joseph and Rokodoguni have flourished as a result. Kyle Eastmond against Luther Burrell has international selection overtones, while in the pack the battles between Corbisiero and Wilson, and Lawes and Attwood, will provide further food for thought for Stuart Lancaster.

Bath do not look like the same side that lost this fixture by 18 points last year. They will believe they can win, and they will come very close – but I don’t think they’ll do it. Northampton by 2.

Exeter Chiefs vs Harlequins

This game last year was nothing short of spectacular – genuinely one of the games of the season. And why wouldn’t it be? It’s a clash between two teams that play properly exciting rugby, not afraid to run from all quarters and packed with players capable of doing so. Exeter’s youth contingent in the backs is boosted by the return of starlet Jack Nowell on the wing – if Henry Slade can put him in space after Sam Hill has made one his trademark bursts up the middle, expect fireworks. Harlequins have not been at their best this year but they will take heart from their win against a good Wasps team.

The Chiefs have thrilled us so far, and after a morale-boosting West Country derby victory over Gloucester they’ll continue their winning run at home this weekend. Exeter by 5.

Wasps vs Newcastle Falcons

Wasps continue to pick from their conveyor belt of backline talent, pairing Alapati Leiua and Elliot Daly in the centres, while Tom Varndell and Sailosi Tagicakibau form a wing partnership with a huge number of Premiership tries between them. They rotate in the pack too, with Ed Jackson replacing Nathan Hughes at number eight to join James Haskell and Ashley Johnson in what has probably been the best back row in the Premiership so far. The visitors welcome Gonzalo Tiesi back into the midfield, while young Englishman Dom Barrow gets the nod in the engine room over Italian international Josh Furno, who drops to the bench.

Not a difficult one to call this – Wasps have been massively impressive so far while Newcastle have looked insipid at the best of times. Wasps by 24.

How do you see the weekend unfolding?

By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images