Another of our weekly pre-match updates where we analyse the weekend’s lineups, crunch the stats and see what the bookies are thinking to help you optimise your lineups for peak performance this weekend!
Potential mismatches
Now with a bit of form to look at, albeit one week, the bookies have been a bit more adventurous when pricing up this weekends matches. Looking at Paddy Power’s handicap coupon they have given Exeter and Wasps the biggest points advantages.
In Paddy Power’s eyes the most nailed on games this weekend with a projected winning margin greater than 10 is…
- Exeter Chiefs to beat London Irish with a margin of 15 points
- Wasps to beat Worcester with a margin of 14 points
Slightly questionable given London Irish’s performance last week against Harlequins, however Sandy Park is a very tough place to travel and the Chiefs will be looking for a big performance after such a disappointing start. Wasps should go well on the artificial turf at Sixways against an out of sorts and unsettled Worcester, 14 points looks generous to Worcester! Despite last week’s performance, Quins have been given a 6 point margin against the impressive Gloucester which looks to offer value in favour of Gloucester if you fancy a flutter, however Quins always tend to raise their game at Fortress Stoop
Top 5 most likely to score (Odds via Paddy Power)
- 1= Denny Solomona (Sale Sharks) – Anytime tryscorer odds: 2.1
- 1= Charlie Walker (Harlequins) – Anytime tryscorer odds: 2.1
- 1= Marland Yarde (Harlequins) – Anytime tryscorer odds: 2.1
- 4= Josh Bassett (Wasps) – Anytime tryscorer odds: 2.4
- 4= Marcus Watson (Wasps) – Anytime tryscorer odds: 2.4
- 4= Olly Woodburn (Exeter) – Anytime tryscorer odds: 2.4
- 4= Jack Nowell (Exeter) – Anytime tryscorer odds: 2.4
- 4= Jonny May (Leicester) – Anytime tryscorer odds: 2.4
Expected to go well
*Players who are starting favourably out of position (i.e. Hooker in back row, Centre on wing, etc.)
Recommended captain pick in bold
FRONT ROW
Ashley Johnson* (Wasps)
Schalk Brits (Saracens)
Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins)
Richard Hibbard (Gloucester)
Vincent Koch (Saracens)
Dave Ward* (Harlequins)
LOCKS
Joe Launchbury (Wasps)
Don Armand* (Exeter)
Jonny Hill (Exeter)
BACK ROW
Nathan Hughes (Wasps)
Jack Clifford (Harlequins)
Guy Thompson (Wasps)
Sam Simmonds (Exeter)
SCRUM-HALF
Dan Robson (Wasps)
Nic White (Exeter)
FLY HALF
Jimmy Gopperth* (Wasps)
Gareth Steenson (Exeter)
Henry Slade (Exeter)*
CENTRES
Gabriele Lovobalavu (Wasps)
Joe Marchant (Harlequins)
Will Addison (Sale)
Phil Dollman* (Exeter)
OUTSIDE BACKS
Marcus Watson (Wasps)
Willie Le Roux (Wasps)
Olly Woodburn (Exeter)
Denny Solomona (Sale)
Charlie Walker (Harlequins)
Under-the-radar pick
Marcus Watson – With the former 7s flyer set to making his first Premiership start for Wasps against a Worcester side now set as joint favourites for the drop, Watson will be looking to capitalise on a rare opportunity to prove his worth in the immensely deep pool of Wasps back line talent. Having spent last year on the artificial pitch at Kingston Park, he will be comfortable in his surroundings, and will be expected to make a big impact. Well worth a differential punt!
If you want some more sources to help you finalise your decisions, go to our resources page where you’ll find all this year’s Aviva Premiership fantasy games, all the stats sources, injury news, team news, fantasy relevant rugby betting odds and tons of other useful information.