Harlequins can find a way to add to Wasps woes

Harlequins v Wasps
BT Sport 2, 4pm Saturday

Harlequins have remained inconsistent with Paul Gustard at the helm this season but they have not gone backwards in terms of how well they play at their best and they deserve support in their annual Big Game at Twickenham with Wasps.

Wasps are fourth in the Premiership table but they have won only one of their last 12 matches in all competitions and look a long way from the team who walloped Quins 44-22 at the Stoop last February on the way to a third consecutive top-four finish.

Quins beat leaders Exeter 28-26 in their last league home outing at their traditional base across the Chertsey Road, where they have also accounted for Sale and Newcastle this campaign and worried champions Saracens.

Even in their home loss to Bath, Quins did not fold meekly to the shock of being on the back foot in front of their fans a fortnight after hammering the Sharks 51-23. A disappointing defeat at Bristol followed too but then they bounced back with a win at third-placed Gloucester.

Injuries and international call-ups have played a huge part in Wasps’ struggles, compromising their cohesion and continuity, and unfortunately head coach Dai Young again looks as if he is having to make do and mend.

Quins could dominate at the set-piece and their back-row of Alex Dombrandt, Jack Clifford and James Chisholm is in lively form.

Last season was effectively over for Quins when they lost in the league to Wasps at the Stoop and they had won at the Ricoh Arena in September while the honours were shared in their two Champions Cup clashes with the hosts prevailing on each occasion.

Last year, Quins hammered Northampton 50-21 to make it five wins in the last six Big Games.

Recommendation
Harlequins
2pts 68-67 188Bet

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