Interesting betting options as Premiership returns
January 26, 2007

After the diversion of the final pool stages of the two European competitions last weekend the focus of the 12 Premier Rugby clubs returns to the Guinness Premiership this weekend.

Round 14 of this season's competition presents another six interesting fixtures the outcome of which will have more impact than usual on the end of season league positions for the clubs concerned.

The action starts tonight at Sixways in the West Midlands where Worcester host London Wasps in what is a crucial tie for the home team. The Warriors are fiercely competitive at home and Wasps have been fragile on the road this season. Coral has Worcester at 6/4 to cause and upset with Wasps at 1/2 to win and the draw at 18/1.

Tomorrow's four fixtures pose a set of difficult combinations for the betting forecasters at the official betting and gaming partner of Premier Rugby and the Guinness Premiership. Bath host NEC Harlequins at the Recreation Ground. The home team will have drawn confidence from their qualification for the quarter-final stage of the European Challenge Cup. Bath are 8/11 to win with Harlequins at 11/10 and the draw at 18/1.

The West Country also sees another interesting clash at Kingsholm where Gloucester host current champions Sale Sharks. The Cherry and Whites are on a high after their win over Leinster last weekend. Injury ravaged Sharks know they will have to be at their best to secure any points. Coral has Gloucester at 1/4 to win with Sale at 5/2 and the draw at 20/1.

Leicester tuned in their best performance of the season to date in ending Munster's ten year unbeaten run in the Heineken Cup at Thomond Park last Saturday. They will want to continue that form against a Newcastle Falcons team that has enjoyed above average success over the Tigers in recent encounters. Leicester are 1/10 to win with the Falcons at 5/1 and the draw at 25/1.

Tomorrow's final match is at Franklin's Gardens where Northampton entertain joint leaders Bristol. The West Country team continue to be the Premiership's form side and Richard Hill's men will be hoping to cause another upset. The Saints have struggled to find consistency and will be looking to their New Zealand half back pair of Mark Robinson and Carlos Spencer to orchestrate what will be an important home win. Saints are 11/10 to win with Bristol at 8/11 and the draw at 18/1.

Sunday's solitary fixture is a "London Derby" with Saracens entertaining London Irish .at Vicarage Road. The men in black are undefeated in their last eight fixtures and are sitting comfortably in sixth place in the league. The Exiles have struggles to find the try-scoring form that stood them well last season. A full strength Saracens will be optimistic of making home advantage tell in front of the Sky cameras. Saracens are 2/5 to win with Irish at 9/5 and the draw at 18/1.

Coral.co.uk has an attractive "6 Pick" forecast bet on the outcome of the weekend's six league matches. A full range of betting opportunities, including handicaps, on all of the matches in the Guinness Premiership is available at www.coral.co.uk/scrum.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.