BATH VS. SHARKS- AVIVA PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS

A humbled Bath play host to Sale Sharks this weekend, in what promises to be a bruising encounter.
The Sharks have recalled Dwayne Peel and Karena Wihongi into their starting XV, while Aston Croall runs out as starting hooker
There is clear respect for the Bath contingent heading into today’s clash, with Sale's head coach Mike Brewer stating "Bath are a very strong side from the set-piece. They create a lot of damage if they get a lot of set-piece ball and if you give them space"
Many will feel that with Bath being given a lesson in attacking rugby last weekend, by log leaders Northampton, that Sale might see this as the perfect time in which to capitalise.
However, Bath Performance director, Ian McGeechan, has made it known that, despite last weekend's loss that the Bath XV will be dead keen to get back to winning ways
Anxious to bounce back from their drubbing by Northampton, Bath makes two changes as scrum-half Michael Claassens replaces Mark McMillan, and prop Duncan Bell is in for David Wilson.
From a recent history perspective, Bath most certainly has the upper hand with both teams having met three times in all competitions last season with Bath victorious on each occasion.
Add the fact that Bath's overall home form continues to impress, with straight victories in the competition at home, and one cans see that this should be a walkover for the men in blue.
Bath: Abendanon, Carraro, Hape, Barkley, Biggs; Vesty, Claassens; Barnes, Dixon, Bell, Hooper, Grewcock, Beattie, Moody, Watson (captain).
Sale: Williams; Brady, Cohen, Tonetti, Cueto; Macleod, Peel; Sheridan, Croall, Wihongi, Rouse, Lewaravu, Fearns, Seymour (capt), Koyamaibole
One will struggle to find decent returns on this clearly one sided affair. Paddypower offers a Bath win at 1.12, to Sale at 5.5.
The real money to be made here will be on betting on halves. A solid, and most definitely the scenario, will be Bath to win both halves at 1.36. This bet is as safe as a house...and will see you netting a nice little earner
There are great odds to be had on the tryscorer front with Aussie Matt Carraro favoured to cross the line for Bath at 2.4- equal to in-form Tom Biggs at the same.
Watch out for Olly Barkley in this one who is at 3.0- a solid put down on a man due a big performance
Bath are without a doubt the stronger side in this matchup. Their forwards led by the feisty Dixon, and the backs by the ever capable Barkley will dominate this match to no end
Prediction: No doubt in my mind. Bath will win by 11-20 points at 4.0