Saturday's Gallagher Premiership predictions & rugby betting tips: Sharks ready to put up a fight

Where to watch 

Saracens vs Sale
TNT Sports 1, 3.05pm Saturday

Northampton vs Exeter
TNT Sports 1, 5.30pm Saturday

Best bet

Sale +12
2pts 10-11 BoyleSports

Predictions

Sale earned their place in the Premiership playoffs last season thanks to a 20-10 victory at Saracens in the final round of the regular campaign and they can put in another gutsy performance at the StoneX Stadium on Saturday.

Both teams opened with victory last weekend, and while Sarries looked impressive in a 35-26 victory at Gloucester, Sale should provide a stiffer test.

The Sharks edged Harlequins 12-11 at home in round one, when all their points came from the boot of fly-half George Ford.

Ford's tactical kicking and Sale's physical set-piece will be key elements to denying Saracens attacking chances. 

This is often a close-fought battle – the last six meetings have been decided by a margin of less than 12 points – so the Sharks look worth backing with a double-figure start.

In Saturday's later TV game, champions Northampton will look to pick up their first win when they take on Exeter at home.

The Saints were beaten at Bath last week but are 11-point favourites against the Chiefs, who suffered a last-gasp defeat to Leicester in their opening match.

Northampton lost just once at home in the Premiership last season, while Exeter were handicap losers in seven of their nine away matches.

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