AVIVA PREMIERSHIP RUGBY ODDS AND PREDICTIONS - SEP 17

This weekend will see a wealth of top grade rugby played across the land, with tomorrow’s opener being probably the pick of the lot.
Northampton vs. Bath
Northampton play hosts to current log leaders Bath, in what will very likely determine which way the season is going to go this year.
Northampton are odds on favourites to take this clash, with William Hill offering them at 1.4, to Bath's 2.75. This is a tight call considering the wealth of talent available to both teams
Unbeaten Northampton remains unchanged from last week with Shane Geraghty maintaining his place at fly-half, with Stephen Myler and Scotland prop Euan Murray on the bench. Table-toppers Bath make five changes to their side, with Matt Banahan, Lee Mears, David Flatman and Simon Taylor all injured against last week’s London Irish showdown.
Defence and Skills coach, Brad Davis, has stated that he is predicting a bruising encounter, and that he believes that both teams deserve the results achieved thus far.
On the try-scoring odds front England national  Chris Ashton will be looking to once again impress selectors and is favourite to cross the line at 2.5, with Kiwi Bruce Reihana at 3.5
Aussie import Matt Carraro is expected to go over first up for Bath at 13, with Luke Watson a good viewing to score at anytime at 4.5.
Watson loves an occasion, and no more so than against the highest quality opposition. This is one example whereby his ego will work to Bath's advantage
And then we get the other end of the scale...
Sales Sharks vs. Harlequins
In the only other Friday fixture, Sale Sharks play host to Harlequins in what promises to be an entertaining affair. An interesting statistic to note will be that Harlequins have visited Edgeley Park on seven previous occasions, yet only won once...back in 2004.
With that said, Sale are going through somewhat  of a purple patch themselves having won just one of their last six games in the Premiership, with Harlequins having only won one of their last five Premiership encounters
Sale is still expected to bring this one home with William Hill putting them as favourites at 1.67, to a Harlequins 2.2.
The real money- winner for this one is going to be the margin predictions with the bookies calling this one close.
A Sale win by 5 or less is locked at 5, with the more likely Sale win by 11-15 at 9. This presents a great scenario bet for a side that has shown their talent at home in the past
These two weekend openers present some great Friday night rugby. By far the pick of the two will be the Bath- Northampton clash, with some seriously talented players on display.
Bath to win it in a thriller