Leicester V Wasps Fixed Odds Betting Preview

This is the game that all the neutrals, and fair-minded observers would wish to see as the finale to the Zurich Premiership campaign. Leicester and Wasps, the two teams who have consistently played the best rugby all season, and who have been the best teams for several seasons, will face off in the Zurich Premiership Grand Final on Saturday, in a match with multiple facets to capture the imagination.The top priority for both sides is clearly to win, but there are a multitude of fascinating sub-plots that are impossible to ignore.Having been drawn in the so-called Group of death in the Heineken Cup, this will be the 5th time that the heavyweights have come together during the season. The results so far do not make pleasant reading for the Wasps with four defeats and a draw the total measure of their pickings.In Europe, the Wycombe based side were given a proper seeing to by way of sublime opening periods from the Tigers, with both games taken realistically out of reach within 20 minutes of the first whistle. This is clearly something that must be avoided if this contest is to remain competitive into the latter stages.The last meeting came just two weeks ago, in a match that determined who would advance directly to Twickenham, and who would be required to take the extra step of playing in a semi-final. Leicester prevailed by a wide margin, 45-10, but there was some level of pre-destiny in this outcome. Wasps have been crowned Premiership Champions for the last two years, the only years that this system has been in place, and in each instance they have done so without finishing top of the table at the end of the regular season.Warren Gatland would appear to be a master at preparing his troops to peak for the final, and perhaps sees more virtue of keeping the match fit hackles of his charges up with a hard fought semi final, rather than negotiating the fortnight's break that John Wells has been able steer his squad through.Two years ago they got past Gloucester in the correspondingTwickenham encounter, and last term they beat Bath, as well as achieving victory over Toulouse at the same venue in the Heineken Cup Final. This is the first time that Leicester have appeared in the Grand Final, although it cannot be said that their personnel are not used to big occasions.For on field sub plots between players, spectators will be spoilt for choice.For Martin Johnson and Neil Back this will be the last time they don the famous red and green jersey after more than a decade as club stalwarts. For everything they have given to Leicester, Lawrence Dallaglio has done for Wasps, and whilst no official announcement has been made, the fire in his eyes for the semi final win over Sale last week was reminiscent of a man who realises that time is no longer on his side.He was the man who followed Johnson to the captaincy of the national side, and up against him at number eight is Martin Corry, the Zurich Premiership player of the season and current England skipper. Dallaglio and Corry have had to be separated on several occasions this season already, and neither will take a backward step. Having already caused stitches by elbowing Richard Hill a few weeks ago, Corry may well see this as a chance to take on (or take out) another major back row contender for the British Lions back row. It remains to be seen if he will remain within the laws of the game on this occasion.Other key match ups from an England perspective include the scrum half battle between Harry Ellis and Matt Dawson. Ellis had the world seemingly at his feet at the start of the year, but has since lost his England place to the experienced Dawson and Sir Clive Woodward also chose only to include Dawson in his Lions squad.A total of eleven touring Lions will be playing in this game, and the squad meets just two days afterwards. This is a gilt edged chance for the relevant man to display their skills to a surely watching Woodward.Wasps simply cannot be underestimated in this final and we are going to take them for victory.Leicester may have won the league, but their lead was diminished to near parity over the final few months, and surprise away losses endured at Leeds and Saracens within their last four league fixtures. Wasps are at Twickenham for the fourth time in three seasons, and have won every time. We feel that 7/4 should be taken, even if Leicester are their bogey team this term.The Londoners back line has pace, power and precision with the likes of Lewsey, Mark Van Gisbergen and Eyoola Erinle always dangerous, especially on a sun drenched acreage such as Twickenham will be on Saturday. The key will be securing enough ball to unleash these powers, and with the likes of Dallaglio and Joe Worsley there to win ball, and spoil Leicester's, we feel they have the ability to do so. Against Sale last week they were explosive from one to fifteen.As well as the players who are signing off, both coaches will also be making way. John Wells moves to a position with England whilst Warren Gatland travels back to his native New Zealand after spearheading the most successful period in the history of Wasps. We feel he will take one more piece of silverware with him, and at 7/4 are happy to have a bet. It should be a massive contest.