The penultimate round of the Gallagher Premiership regular season brings crucial fixtures with significant implications for the playoff race and title push. While many eyes will be fixed on Champions Cup ambitions and top-four qualification scenarios, two Saturday matchups offer compelling angles from a betting perspective.
Northampton Saints vs. Saracens
Venue: Franklin’s Gardens
Kick-off: Saturday, 17 May
Saracens head into this fixture with everything to play for, while Northampton Saints have more pressing matters on the horizon. With a Champions Cup final against Bordeaux-Bègles looming on 25 May, the Saints rested key personnel last week and were duly thrashed 42-14 by Exeter at Sandy Park.
That approach is unlikely to change. Director of Rugby Phil Dowson has hinted at rotation again, prioritising the club’s pursuit of European glory over domestic ambitions. With Northampton already confirmed in the top four and their spot in the home semi-finals secure, their selection and performance here should reflect a broader strategic focus on the Cardiff final.
In contrast, Saracens are embroiled in a fierce battle for playoff positioning. Their 75-28 mauling of Newcastle Falcons showcased their ability to turn up the intensity when required, running in 11 tries and underlining their depth and firepower. With 49 points, they are tied with Sale Sharks in the race for fourth place and must win to keep control of their destiny.
The return of several England internationals has bolstered Mark McCall’s options, and with knockout rugby on the line, Saracens are expected to field close to a full-strength side. Their recent form and urgency make them overwhelming favourites against a likely understrength Saints team.
Verdict: Saracens on the minus
Saracens should have little trouble claiming a bonus-point victory against a Northampton outfit with their eyes fixed firmly on European silverware.
Bath vs. Leicester Tigers
Venue: The Rec
Kick-off: Saturday, 17 May
This top-of-the-table clash is set to be the standout fixture of the weekend. Bath, currently first on the log, have already secured a home semi-final, but a win over Leicester Tigers would send a strong message ahead of the playoffs—and potentially a repeat meeting in the final.
The Rec has become a fortress for Johann van Graan’s men, and there’s every indication that Bath may opt for continuity in selection to maintain their rhythm. Last week’s convincing 28-17 win over Sale Sharks was built on a solid all-round performance, and another similar display would reinforce their championship credentials.
Leicester, meanwhile, are in a more precarious position. Sitting third with 51 points, they are just four points clear of fifth-placed Saracens. A loss at the Rec could see them slip out of the top four, particularly with tough fixtures to come.
Handré Pollard was instrumental in Leicester’s comeback win last weekend, orchestrating the game with precision and slotting vital kicks. The Springbok fly-half’s accuracy will be pivotal again if the Tigers are to prevail in Bath.
However, the Tigers’ away form this season has been inconsistent, and their discipline will need to be near-perfect to withstand the pressure from a Bath side that thrives off quick ball and set-piece dominance.
Verdict: Bath on the board
Bath should have the edge on home turf and look set to reinforce their top seed status with another controlled performance. Leicester’s urgency may keep things close, but the hosts have the firepower and form to prevail.
Betting Recap – Saturday Picks:
- Saracens (- Handicap) to beat Northampton
- Bath (Win) to beat Leicester
Both Saracens and Bath are chasing very different goals, but each should get the job done in Round 17.