It’s back to work for most people this week, but it’s Friday already and plenty of Premiership rugby to look forward to this weekend.

Worcester v Bath
The Warriors can go ahead of Northampton with a win over misfiring Bath – their visitors have lost three league matches in a row, including two heavy away defeats. This is a really tough pick to open the round, but I’m leaning towards Bath to get their Premiership season back on track. Bath by 4

Leicester v London Irish
The Tigers have also had a dreadful run in the league, but this is a New Year gift to get them back on track before we break for Europe again (?). Worcester won at Welford Road, but I can’t see Irish doing the same. Leicester by 13

Sale v Harlequins
5th to 9th in the table is very congested, and only 1 point separates these two teams. Happy-at-home Sale face awful-away Quins, so you have to back the Sharks here. Sale by 4

Northampton v Gloucester
Was it that Quins were outstanding at Twickenham last week, or more that the Saints were terrible? Normally you’d pick a home victory at Franlin’s Gardens, but they haven’t won in the league since September, and Gloucester has designs on the top four. Gloucester by 6

Newcastle v Exeter
The Chiefs continue to run away with the league, and whilst the Falcons have had a mini resurgence of late, I suspect Exeter will be too strong this weekend – as they have been for most other sides. Exeter by 11

Wasps v Saracens
What a cracking prospect to round off the weekend, with both teams finding form again recently. Second place in the table is up for grabs for the winner, whilst the loser will find themselves in danger of being caught by those chasing the top four. Very tough pick, but I’m going to back Sarries. Saracens by 2

Bets
We were back to winning ways last week, doubling our money thanks to Exeter, Quins and Gloucester. This week, I’m backing Leicester, Sale and Exeter all to win at combined odds of 2.17 on Leovegas.

Follow Hutch on Twitter: @Hutch_James

Have a good weekend!