Aviva Premiership Preview: Bath poised to deliver derby win over Gloucester

Nick Abendanon can help fire Bath to a derby win over Gloucester.

Simon Mail looks ahead to the best of the weekend's Premiership matches and thinks Bath can get the better of rivals Gloucester in their derby clash...

Bath v Gloucester

Bath will be hoping to make home advantage count when they host fierce rivals Gloucester in their West Country derby. Gary Gold's side have been in decent form over the last two months with six consecutive victories prior to last weekend's narrow defeat at Northampton. Bath have also won their last five matches at the Rec so they are starting to build a strong record at home as they climb up the table.

Gloucester have enjoyed an impressive campaign under Nigel Davies which has put them in contention for a top-four finish. The Cherry and Whites have caught the eye again with their entertaining brand of rugby. Gloucester won narrowly against Worcester last weekend but they have found it harder on the road with only one away victory in the league since September.

The sides have already played twice this season with the honours shared. Bath crushed Gloucester 32-5 at Kingsholm at the start of February and although this was in the LV= Cup, the one-sided nature is certain to give them a confidence boost ahead of this weekend. Gloucester edged the league game 16-10 in October and this match is expected to be similarly tight. With only one defeat in their last 11 home matches, Bath are fancied to turn over the Cherry and Whites.

Recommended bet: Back Bath to win at 1.84/5

Harlequins v Exeter 

The champions are well positioned to defend their title after an excellent campaign which has seen them remain top of the table. Quins responded to their surprise recent defeat to Wasps by beating Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks in their last two games. Conor O'Shea's side have won 12 out of their last 13 matches in all competitions so they are hard to oppose.

It has been a tough campaign for Exeter Chiefs and they are finding it difficult to match their superb efforts from last season in the top flight. The Chiefs earned a much-needed 47-16 home win over London Welsh in their last outing but prior to that had only one victory in their last nine matches. 

Exeter pulled off a surprise 42-28 win over Quins back in October but few people would tip them to complete a first ever league double over them. The Chiefs have lost all three previous games at the Stoop and this record is likely to continue at the weekend. Harlequins should win comfortably to maintain their grip on top spot.

Recommended bet: Back Harlequins to win by over 12.5 points at 1.75/7

Saracens v London Welsh

Sarries are coasting towards another shot at the play-offs and Mark McCall's side are looking strong contenders to add to their 2011 title. The Men in Black have just moved to their new home at Allianz Park and made an impressive start with a bonus-point league win over Exeter. Saracens have only lost once in their last 11 matches and have not been beaten in a home game all season.

After a bright start following promotion, London Welsh are now facing the harsh reality of Premiership rugby and are just three points off the foot of the table. Welsh have a cloud hanging over them with an RFU hearing looming after fielding an ineligible player in league games. To add to their woes, Welsh have lost their last six Premiership matches and games don't come much harder than a trip to Saracens. 

The Men in Black had to work hard for a 28-23 win in Oxford back in October but this was during a time when Welsh were picking up results. Saracens have started finishing off teams with bonus-point victories in their last two games including impressively at Leicester Tigers. The title challengers are unlikely to take their foot off the gas this weekend and it could be a long afternoon for the visitors.

Recommended bet:Back Saracens to win by over 12.5 points at 1.68/13