Gloucester Rugby vs Sale Sharks Prediction & Betting Tips - English Premiership Rugby

Prediction published on 26/01/2024, 09:00  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 28/01/2024 at 02:00 in Rugby Predictions

Gloucester Rugby bid to end their losing sequence in the English Premiership. They are one from bottom in the table and host Sale Sharks who are in fith place. Gloucester won their first two games of the new English Premiership season but couldn't have imagined they'd lose their next nine. They only have Newcastle Falcons (yet to win in the league this season) below them in the table. A place in the top eight is required to qualify for next season's European Rugby Champions Cup but they are eight points adrift of that position. Their most recent league match saw them lose 17-10 at local rivals Bath Rugby. Home league form has seen them win one but lose the last four they've played. They certainly have defensive problems with at least 30 points conceded in each of their last three home league matches. There has been success in the European Challenge Cup but their league form remains poor.

Sale Sharks begin the weekend seven points behind league leaders Northampton Saints. The top four go in to the end-of-season play-offs and they are three points behind the final qualifying position of fourth. Sale have won seven of their 11 league games this season but the last two have both been lost. They were beaten by four points at Northampton Saints and then lost at home to Bristol. Away form has seen them win two and lose three in this season's English Premiership. Their European Rugby Champions Cup campaign didn't go well with two recent losses and being transferred to the Challenge Cup. They will hope to get back into winning ways with a win at Gloucester and we believe that's just what they will do but back them with a +3.5 points start.