Premiership Cup predictions and rugby union tips: Exiles have the edge

Free rugby union tips, best bets and analysis for Friday's Premiership Rugby Cup matches, including London Irish v Saracens.

Where to watch

London Irish v Saracens

BT Sport 2, 7.45pm Friday

Best bets

London Irish -5
1pt 10-11 bet365

Newcastle Falcons +10
1pt 10-11 bet365

Preview

London Irish are taking the Premiership Cup more seriously than most and that attitude should stand them in good stead for the visit of Saracens.

Both teams began their cup campaigns with bonus-point victories and lock horns again having played out a thrilling 34-34 draw in the league earlier this month.

The Exiles overcame a 26-point deficit that day and ten of their starting 15 for Friday’s rematch were involved in some capacity in that encounter.

South African Marcel van der Merwe leads an experienced Irish forward unit which should cause problems for a Saracens side treating the Premiership Cup as a developmental tool.

Sarries have sprinkled in a few old hands across their line-up, but they look in danger of falling away in the latter stages having filled their bench with academy prospects.

Newcastle have made an impressive start to the season and shouldn’t be underestimated when they travel to cup holders Sale.

The Sharks team looks weaker than the one who lost at Leicester last time out and face a Falcons side fresh from beating Wasps and featuring an excellent backline that includes Luther Burrell and Nathan Earle.

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