Sale Sharks vs Newcastle Falcons Prediction & Betting Tips - English Premiership Rugby

Prediction published on 15/11/2023, 17:30  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 17/11/2023 at 06:45 in Rugby Predictions

Derby week in the Gallagher Premiership will kick off with Sale Sharks taking on Newcastle Falcons on Friday evening. These sides have endured contrasting starts to the 2023-24 campaign, with the hosts currently in second place while the visitors are at the foot of the table. Sale come into this match following a 27-13 win against the Bristol Bears last week. That marked their fourth win in five matches in the competition. Their only loss to date came against the Exeter Chiefs back in week three. The Sharks have also won their two home games in this competition, overcoming Northampton 20-15 and Gloucester 24-10 at the start of the month. Fly-half George Ford has been instrumental for the Sharks since returning from the World Cup and contributed seven points off the boot in the last match. The hosts won the last game between these sides at this venue 54-12 and are the clear favourites in this one as well. 

Meanwhile, after finishing bottom of the pile last season, Newcastle look set to struggle again this term. They have managed just two points in the competition after five rounds and are the only side that have yet to win a game. The Falcons suffered a huge defeat in their last match, with Saracens thumping them at home 50-12. That followed another hefty defeat against Harlequins a week earlier. Based on their performances to date, the visitors will struggle to get anything from this one. Still, they have won two of the last three matches against this opponent and if they can somehow orchestrate an upset here, it could prove to be the turning point in their season.