Aviva Premiership – Round 5 Predictions

The Aviva Premiership returns this weekend with another weekend of pulsating action.

Three games will be televised on BT Sport, and with the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup campaigns approaching, we’ve reached a point in the season where getting results could be crucial in deciding who makes the play-offs.

The most interesting tie of the round see Leicester Tigers host champions Exeter at Welford road. The Chiefs currently top the table after their impressive win over Wasps in round 5 and will be no doubt challenging this year, while Leicester are rejuvenated after bouncing back from losses in the first two rounds with wins over Gloucester and Harlequins.

Welford Road isn’t the easiest place to get a result, but we all know the Chiefs are well used to not taking the easy route.

First up however, we’ve got Newcastle the London Irish taking each other on in front of the cameras under Friday night lights. The Exiles started the season in fine form, but have been brought back down to earth in the last few weeks as they bid to retain their Premiership status in their first season back up. The Falcons on the other hand have been the surprise package of the season, having recruited well over the summer.

Dean Richards’ men pulled off an incredible win over Bath at The Rec over the weekend, and are currently flying high in 4th place on level point with Saracens and Northampton, who are 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Wasps and Bath then cap off the weekend of televised games with a heavyweight clash at the Ricoh Arena. Dai Young’s men have lost two on the trot, and will be out to prove a point this weekend, with many expecting them to be challenging for the title this season.

The other big clash of the round sees Northampton host Harlequins at Franklins Gardens. Saints are on a fine run of form after an embarrassing lost to Saracens in the first round, while Quins will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Leicester over the weekend. If we were to put any bets on this weekend the best rugby odds are available 24/7 at the Sportingbet website. Here’s where we’d put our money.

Friday 29 September
Newcastle Falcons v London Irish (Kingston Park, 7.45pm) – Live on BT Sport
Falcons to continues their run of form with a win.

Worcester Warriors v Saracens (Sixways, 7.45pm)
Bonus-point win for Sarries over a struggling Worcester side.

Sale Sharks v Gloucester Rugby (AJ Bell Stadium, 8pm)
This one is very close to call, but we’re gonna go with Sale to nick it due to home advantage

Saturday 30 September
Leicester Tigers v Exeter Chiefs (Welford Road, 3pm) – Live on BT Sport
Just because it’s on at Welford Road, our money is on the Tigers.

Northampton Saints v Harlequins (Franklin’s Gardens, 3pm)
Another really close affair promised here. Something tells us Quins can pull off an away defeat hear and bring Northampton to a halt.

Sunday 1 October
Wasps v Bath Rugby (Ricoh Arena, 3pm) – Live on BT Sport
Dai Young’s side are due a big performance and this is their opportunity. Wasps to put the foot down and get a big win.