Northampton Saints vs Gloucester Rugby Prediction & Betting Tips - English Premiership Rugby

Prediction published on 09/05/2024, 10:05  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 11/05/2024 at 02:05 in Rugby Predictions

The Northampton Saints will play their final home match in this season’s Gallagher Premiership when they host Gloucester Rugby in Round 17 on Saturday afternoon. The hosts lead the league standings, while the visitors are second-bottom. Following their 20-17 defeat to Leinster Rugby in the Investec Champions Cup semi-final last weekend, the Saints make their way back home this week, looking to maintain top spot in the league and secure a home semi-final. Leinster established an early lead with a pair of James Lowe tries and appeared to be in a commanding position. However, Northampton mounted a spirited comeback, scoring the game's final 14 points, with Leinster barely holding on in the closing stages. Nevertheless, the Saints can draw positives from their resilience and now shift their focus to domestic action, where they lead Saracens by four points with two games remaining. Their fate lies in their own hands as they prepare to face ninth-place Gloucester at home this weekend. With victories in their last two meetings against Gloucester, including a 31-29 triumph at their home venue in December, the Saints are the clear favourites in this upcoming clash.

Meanwhile, Gloucester Rugby secured their place in the EPCR Challenge Cup final with an impressive performance against Benetton Rugby at Kingsholm last week. The Cherry and Whites delighted their supporters with a thrilling display of attacking rugby, scoring five tries en route to a convincing 40-25 victory. From the outset, the hosts asserted their authority, crossing the try line twice in the opening half. However, Gloucester suffered a setback in their last Premiership fixture, succumbing to a 38-17 defeat at home to Exeter Chiefs. Their performance in the league has been inconsistent, with only four victories, leaving them just above the bottom-placed Newcastle Falcons. Gloucester's focus on the European Challenge Cup semifinal was evident, and they failed to seriously challenge Exeter despite tries from wing Jonny May, flanker Jack Clement, and lock Arthur Clark, with fly-half Charlie Atkinson adding a conversion. The decision to prioritize the Challenge Cup over Premiership fixtures has drawn criticism, with some questioning the club's attitude towards the remaining league games, especially after their earlier success in winning the Premiership Rugby Cup.