Sale Sharks vs Gloucester predictions for Friday night Gallagher Premiership Rugby affair. Following an unexpected 43-0 thumping at the hands of Exeter Chiefs, Sale Sharks are keen on bouncing back as they face Gloucester in their next fixture. Read on for our free Rugby Gallagher Premiership predictions and betting tips.
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Match Live Friday, 3rd November at 7:45 pm In:
Sale Sharks vs Gloucester Predictions
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A Battle of Resilience and Redemption
Key Stats
– Gloucester have only managed one victory in their last six encounters against Sale.
– Mark Atkinson returns to Premiership action for the first time since October 2022.
Having celebrated victories in their first two matches, Sale’s recent loss will make them more determined to set the records straight, especially on their home turf, the Salford Stadium. On the other side of the pitch, Gloucester also faced a dent in their pride after being outperformed by Saracens in their debut match of the season. The Sharks’ home advantage will undoubtedly play a significant role, as past encounters reveal.
A Star-Studded Affair Under Friday Night Lights
Argentina’s talented hooker, Agustin Creevy, is all set to make his inaugural appearance for the Sharks. The spotlight will also shine on England’s World Cup sensations, George Ford and Bevan Rodd, as they rejoin the starting lineup. Their presence adds significant weight to the Sale’s squad.
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The Salford Stadium will witness the return of Club captain Ben Curry. The rugby fraternity will remember his abrupt exit from the previous season due to a hamstring injury during the semi-final against Leicester Tigers. Furthermore, with Joe Carpenter and Tom O’Flaherty unavailable, Sam James steps up to fill the full-back position.
A significant change in the Sale’s structure can be noticed in the front-row. Former London Irish player Creevy is paired with the powerful duo of Rodd and Nick Schonert. This trio promises a combative front-row display. With Gus Warr at scrum-half, his partnership with George Ford will be critical, especially considering Ford’s influential performance in England’s World Cup campaign.
Gloucester’s Game Plan
George Skivington, Gloucester’s Director of Rugby, emphasised the importance of a robust and versatile squad throughout the lengthy Premiership season. The recent lineup announcement displayed seven changes, some driven by injury concerns, others purely strategic.
Val Rapava-Ruskin, the previous season’s standout player, is poised to initiate the game alongside Jack Singleton and Kirill Gotovtsev. Gloucester’s back row will feature Fiji’s Albert Tuisue, showcasing his brilliance. Adding depth to the team are newcomers Ben Donnell and Jack Clement.
An intriguing subplot to this match is Mark Atkinson’s return. After enduring a significant knee injury in October 2022, this marks his first Premiership appearance post-injury.
Historical Standpoints and Predictions
Both Sale Sharks and Gloucester have identical season records: three matches played, two wins and a loss. Digging deeper, Sale’s home record is formidable. They are on an eight-game winning streak at the Salford Stadium. Conversely, Gloucester’s record against Sale is not promising, with just a single victory in their last six meetings. The winning margin in these encounters has rarely surpassed three points.
Given the home advantage and their historical record, Sale Sharks seem to have the upper hand. Prediction 1: Expecting a closely contested match, but Sale Sharks should edge out Gloucester and cover the handicap.
When it comes to individual brilliance and tryscoring potential, George Ford stands out, especially after his recent World Cup heroics. Prediction 2: George Ford to be among the try-scorers for Sale Sharks.
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