Saracens vs Gloucester
Competition: Aviva Premiership Rugby
Date: 27 November 2016
Kick-off: 12:00 CET
Saracens have another chance to assert their dominance at the top of the table, especially over the likes of Wasps and Bath who are chasing close behind, when they take on a Gloucester team that is languishing near the foot of the table.
Saracens dominance this season is no surprise, not considering their great season last year where they were crowned the Premiership champions as well as Champions of Europe in a rare double. They have brought that form forward and look an unstoppable force this year. In fact, they have only been stopped once, and that was a rather surprising loss to Harlequins going back to Round four, it ended there 17-10. But since then, the Sarries have managed to score plenty of points, something they have been accused of not being able to do, as well as have an incredible defensive record, conceding only 82 points in eight games.
Gloucester have had a torrid tie if things going all the way back to Round one where they started the first half like a house on fire against Leicester Tigers before capitulating and losing that game. In their eight games they have only picked up two wins, as well as two draws to see them sitting ninth in the table. Most recently however, they picked up a fantastic win against the in form Wasps 36-18 at home to send the title hopefuls into third on the log. Gloucester’s real problem is consistency, so facing another potential title winner in consecutive weeks will be a tough ask.
Saracens vs Gloucester: Head-to-Head Stats
In the Premiership, this is one of Saracens’ oldest encounters having played the Cherry and Whites 40 times, and because this fixture goes back so long the advantage actually weighs in favour of Gloucester who have 21 wins compared to the Saracens with 18. There has also been one draw.
Saracens vs Gloucester: Prediction
Gloucester have shown they can cause an upset or a surprise every now and again, and they have also shown they have some great cohesion and ability at ties, but with all their efforts spent against Wasps, you have to feel they will struggle against Saracens. Saracens do have a few players missing thanks to injury and the international break, but that did not slow them down when they dismantled Sale away from home 28-13 last week. Expect Sarries to pounce on an exhausted Gloucester team.
Saracens vs Gloucester: Tips
Gloucester have struggled away from home, and the Saracens are a tough team to crack at home, so this could be a big win for Sarries. Bet on them to take the game by a margin of 20+ points.
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