How to watch The Gallagher English Premiership this weekend
Two more weekends are left before the play-offs and currently the top 4 are Northampton, Saracens, Bath and Bristol. Harlequins, Sale and Exeter are still in with a chance of qualifying, but the final 4 won’t be known until the last round of matches next weekend, when the crunch match is likely to be Harlequins v Bristol to decide the last place. This weekend Bath play Newcastle, who are yet to win a match this season, so they should win and help cement their play-off place. The final place is up for grabs.
Sale Sharks vs Leicester Tigers
When: Friday May 101th, 19:45
Where: Salford Community Stadium
How:
UK – TNT Sports 1
Denmark – Viaplay
Norway – Viaplay
Czech Rep – Nova Sport 2
Australia – Stan Sports
Sale have to win this match to maintain any chance of qualifying for the play-offs with Leicester’s hopes all but non-existent. Sale have won their last three games including good wins over Exeter and Harlequins. George Ford is back to his best and it’s his rivalry with Leicester’s Handre Pollard is one of the intriguing match-ups in this game. Sale to win to put the cap on a disappointing season for Leicester.
Bristol Bears vs Saracens
When: Saturday May 11th, 15:05
Where: Ashton Gate, Bristol
How:
UK – ITV 1/ITVX
UK – TNT Sports 2
Denmark – Viaplay
Norway – Viaplay
Spain – Movistar Deportes
Australia – Stan Sport
The game of the weekend between the two in-form sides. Bristol had a narrow away win against Leicester following a thumping victory against a dismal Newcastle side. It’s hard to pick any individual stars for this Bristol and that’s their strength – they have become a really good team under coach Pat Lam. This will be their severest test so far against a Saracens side who have found their best form at the right time of the season, with all their stars firing including Ben Earl, Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje. It will be interesting to see if Billy Vunipola plays after his Spanish indiscretions. Bristol need the win more than Saracens to guarantee their place, so an exciting game in prospect with the home side to win by one score.
Exeter Chiefs vs Harlequins
When: Saturday May 11th, 17:30
Where: Sandy Park, Exeter
How:
UK – TNT Sports 2
Denmark – Viaplay
Norway – Viaplay
Australia – Stan Sport
Will Quins bounce back after their disappointing loss to Toulouse in the European Champions Cup last weekend? There is enough character in the side to think so. Exeter, with a young side in a transitional season, have done exceptionally well with players such Immanuel Fey–Waboso and Ethan Roots being rewarded with international caps. However Quins with their greater experience and their great need to win to make the play-offs should win this one. They are always the most entertaining English side to watch, unpredictable and attacking from everywhere, so expect fireworks from Marcus Smith, Andre Estehuizen, Louis Lynagh, Cadan Murley and Tyrone Green.
