With the Six Nations done and dusted, we’re into the business end of the Aviva Premiership, which has been rumbling on through the winter with slightly less attention than usual.

Here’s how things stand going into the final stretch, for those that need a refresher (including myself):

Having slipped a little at the start of the year, reigning champions Exeter Chiefs are back on top, with a bit of daylight between Wasps and Saracens in 2nd and 3rd respectively. The Newcastle Falcons are hanging on in 4th, with a tight bunch behind them looking for an opportunity to sneak past. London Irish are dead and buried at the bottom.

Here are my predictions for this weekend’s matches.

Bath v Exeter
Bath are tough to beat at home, but Exeter are very tough to beat anywhere and have won three of the last four matches against Bath – including at the Rec last season. Instinct says Chiefs, but not by much. Exeter by 4

Sale v Worcester
The Sharks can sneak into the top six with a win over Worcester, if other results go their way, and they should be good enough to win this at home. It has been 10 years since the Warriors last won away at Sale. Sale by 9

London Irish v Gloucester
After their stunning form at the end of 2017, Gloucester have stuttered somewhat, and are without an away win since November. But this is London Irish, who have just fired Nick Kennedy as Director of Rugby, which doesn’t seem too sensible. Gloucester by 13

Saracens v Harlequins
If Gloucester’s away form has been disappointing, Quins’ is something else – they have one away win to their name, back in September over Wasps. Their home form has kept them out of trouble, but if top 6 is the target, they need to start winning away. This game is at the London Stadium in Stratford, which might give them more of a chance, but you would expect Saracens to win this. Saracens by 11

Newcastle v Northampton
This should be an emotional game at St James’ Park, raising money for Doddie Weir’s charity. The Falcons have lost just one of their last eight matches (away at Saracens), whilst the Saints have won just two of their last 12 (both at home). Newcastle should win this one. Newcastle by 7

Leicester v Wasps
This should be the game of the round, with a resurgent Tigers team aiming for their classic end-of-season run. They haven’t been Wasps in their last 5 meetings, but I have a hunch that they’ll end that run this weekend. Leicester by 2

Bets
I seem to have picked all the favourites this week, but a double with Leovegas on Exeter and Gloucester to both win their away matches gives odds of 2.58.

Follow Hutch on Twitter: @Hutch_James

Have a good weekend!