Sale v Harlequins: preview and tip for Friday's Premiership rugby match

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Sale v Harlequins in the Gallagher Premiership.

Where to watch

BT Sport 2, 7.45pm Friday

Best bet

Sale to win by one to 12 points
1pt 17-10 Betfair, Paddy Power

Match preview

Sale and Harlequins find themselves at the bottom of a logjam of six teams separated by just one point in the Premiership standings, and the winners of this showdown will leap, temporarily at least, from the bottom half to third in the table.

That's a clear incentive but both clubs must put disappointing results behind them, and that may be easier for Sale on their home ground.

Sale have suffered a major blow losing scrum-half Faf de Klerk to injury in last week's narrow defeat at Bath. But they are still blessed with plenty of forward power which should be crucial against a Quins side who struggled badly in the set-piece at Twickenham last week.

Harlequins had looked to be on course for victory in their annual Big Game, well on top in possession and territory and leading 27-13 at one stage.

But they had to settle for a share of the spoils in a 30-30 draw and that result came against a Leicester side who were struggling to find a cutting edge and break the defensive line.

Even without the livewire De Klerk, Sale have a top playmaker in fly-half Rob du Preez who can make the best of front-foot ball, and the finishing power of Chris Ashton and Byron McGuigan.

Sale should come out on top against a Quins side hit by injuries, but are not the most prolific scorers so a win by no more than 12 points looks the best bet.

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