Winger Sharples ready to make his pace count for Gloucester

Premiership
BT Sport 1, 7.45pm Friday

Just three rounds into the Premiership season there is not one team with an unbeaten record - a first for the competition and a reflection of just how open the battle is.

But there is one team without a win, or even a point to their name, as Worcester are marooned at the bottom and are favourites to be there at the end of the regular season.

Losing the first three matches of the season isn't in itself a cause for panic, but the Warriors have been too easily dispatched, scoring just 28 points but shipping 100 as their defence has failed to step up to the mark.

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Worcester conceded four tries in the opening round at Newcastle - a side who since then have managed one penalty try at Sale and an intercept score against Saracens.

Gloucester downed champions Exeter at home in round one but have since gone down twice on the road, and so should have every incentive to unleash their firepower at Kingsholm.

Six of Gloucester's seven tries this season have been scored by forwards, but this looks an opportunity for their speedsters to have a say.

All three tries Wasps scored at Worcester came from their back three while Exeter wingers Jack Nowell and Olly Woodburn both crossed at Sixways last weekend. Charlie Sharples has the most gas in the Gloucester backline and looks value at odds-against to get on the scoresheet.

Fly-half Ryan Mills is back from injury for Worcester to start alongside the highly-experienced Peter Stringer but the Warriors don't look strong enough to hold out.

Recommendation
C Sharples to score a try
1pt 7-5 Betfair, Paddy Power

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