Sale vs Newcastle predictions and Gallagher Premiership tips: Winless Falcons showing signs of improvement

Where to watch Sale vs Newcastle

You can watch Sale vs Newcastle on TNT Sports 1 at 7.45pm on Friday, October 11

Match prediction & best bets

Newcastle +22 on handicap vs Sale
2pts Evs bet365

Kyle Rowe to score two or more tries in Glasgow vs Zebre
1pt 3-1 bet365

Sale vs Newcastle predictions

Few top-level sporting sides can match Newcastle Falcons' record of failing to win a league match since March 2023.

However, while Friday's result at Sale may not go their way, there could be positives to come in defeat.

The Sharks have won both Premiership home games by single-digit margins, beating Harlequins 12-11 and Gloucester 31-27, either side of a 45-26 defeat at Saracens.

This contest is a chance to entertain against the Falcons, who have lost 24-3 against Bristol, 28-14 against Quins and 42-10 against Leicester.

With relegation potentially back on the agenda, Newcastle need to step up and there have been signs of improvement under Steve Diamond.

Diamond's history as both a player and coach at Sale provides extra motivation and his team can keep in touch with their hosts.

Alex Sanderson's side scored markedly fewer points than their top-four rivals during the 2023-24 season and, even with the more flamboyant Rob Du Preez at number ten in George Ford's absence, they prefer control over cutting loose.

While Newcastle may not exactly push Sale close, the handicap appears to favour those encouraged by their performances and they can get in under the handicap.

There is also URC action on Friday as champions Glasgow host Zebre. The Italians have a wretched road record and, despite the Warriors' rotation for this match, there seems little chance of an upset. 

That makes it sensible to search away from the result markets and backing the 3-1 on Kyle Rowe to score two or more tries is a realistic play. 

Rowe crossed twice from the wing in last Friday's win at Cardiff and switching to full-back may provide further chances to strike.

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