Rugby Union: Aviva Premiership 2011/12 Round 19 Predictions

Continuing our new regular feature, our rugby columnist Jeff Ball makes his predictions for this weekend€™s round of matches, including Newcastle Falcons vs Sale Sharks and London Wasps vs Gloucester. Let us know your predictions either in the comments below or on Twitter @Ballintouch After last week€™s fairly successful start, we are back again with our latest set of predictions for this week€™s fixtures. The highlight of last week was Saracens€™ demolition of Sale Sharks, while the admirable efforts of Tom Homer against Leicester went cruelly unrewarded. Exeter surprised us, and most of the Shed, with their last minute win against Gloucester and the Falcons failed to take any points despite the best wishes of a certain rugby columnist. Leicester Tigers v Worcester Warriors Leicester are without the cited Ben Youngs and Worcester have lost Jake Abbott to an ankle injury, creating opportunities for James Grindal and Matt Kvesic respectively. Leicester have dragged themselves up from second bottom to second top this season and seem to have all the momentum. They won€™t be happy with conceding so many points against London Irish last time out but will be expecting to at least match that 41 point tally against a Worcester side that don€™t have a good record at Welford Road. But then not many do. A bonus point for Worcester may be an optimistic wish. Prediction: Leicester by more than 7Newcastle Falcons v Sale Sharks Both sides come into this game on the back of disappointing defeats in the last round, the Falcons losing after holding their own against Worcester for an hour before falling behind while Sale€™s 45-9 defeat to Saracens cost coach Tony Hanks his job. The Falcons are halfway into the precipice of certain relegation and if the Worcester game was must win, then this one is a must-must win. Sharks CEO Steve Diamond has taken over for now and the team may show a little more oomph as is common when a new boss arrives. However the Friday factor up at Newcastle should allow them to sneak it. Prediction: Falcons by less than 7Exeter Chiefs v London Irish Exeter find themselves two points short of a play-off place and with only one defeat since the turn of the year. A first ever Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final next week is a potential distraction but the Chiefs will want to win for Richard Baxter who is making his 400th appearance for the club. London Irish will be hoping for a repeat of their 30+ point tally from last week, but a now typical battling defence by their hosts should keep them at bay. Prediction: Exeter by more than 7Saracens v Harlequins There is an international flavour to this top of the table clash at Wembley stadium, with both sides welcoming back England players to the starting XV. Chris Robshaw packs down for €˜Quins, while Owen Farrell, David Strettle and Mouritz Botha are back for Saracens, having being rested last week. Saracens have a good record at their home from home while Harlequins at times have stuttered despite keeping stop spot since the start of the season. A tight game beckons with the €˜home€™ side likely to edge it. Prediction: Saracens by less than 7Bath Rugby v Northampton Saints The inclusion of World Cup winner Stephen Donald for bath is the most notable change to the starting line up as Bath look to improve on last week€™s disappointing loss to Harlequins. While Bath have made several changes, Saints have by and large stuck with the side that got a bonus point last week against Wasps. Bath at the Rec will prove more difficult and the return of Donald for Bath could just nick it for the home side. Prediction: Bath by less than 7London Wasps v Gloucester Rugby Wasps have been forced to make further changes to their side due to injury, with Paul Emerick and Billy Vunipola benefiting. A painful defeat at Kingsholm at the start of the season will still smart and they will be keen to put some more daylight between themselves and Newcastle Falcons, especially if the North-Easterners lose on Friday. Gloucester have responded to last week€™s disappointing home loss to Exeter by making several changes but may find a determined London Wasps€™ side too much. Prediction: Wasps by less than 7