Northampton Saints vs Exeter Chiefs
4th September 19:45hrs
Rugby – England – Premiership
Pick Exeter To Win
Bookmaker Betfred
Odds: 5/4 odds taken 22:12 GMT Thursday, 3rd September
The Northampton Saints still have a chance at a top-four finish, with a seven-point margin to make up, it may look like an outside one currently.
This is just about the worst game that they could be going into now as they have to face the league leaders.
The Exeter Chiefs have just been imperious since the season got back into the swing of things. But they are slight underdogs for this contest at Franklin’s Gardens.
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Northampton Saints Preview – Saints are on a slump
It is a five-match losing streak that the Northampton Saints are currently on in the top flight at Franklin’s Gardens.
Home and away combined they have only picked up the one victory in their last nine fixtures.
So they are certainly not running all that hot, so it is a little surprising to see them at 4/6 odds-on for this contest.
That’s certainly not going to offer too much appeal for any punters backing them.
Last weekend the Saints suffered a 30-17 loss at Harlequins, having gone down at home against Bath in their match before that.
It is not that the Saints have been shipping a whole bunch of points in matches, they just aren’t putting enough on the board themselves.
In their last three games combined, Northampton have scored just 23 points.
With them being on that five-match losing streak at home, it has equalled their worst ever run of home form in the competition.
A Northampton -2 handicap is at 5/6 odds* (odds taken 22:12 GMT Thursday, 3rd September).
Perhaps where the bookmakers are looking, is that Northampton have only lost once at home against Exeter since 2014.
That was when they were turned over in December 2017 by Exeter in a 35-14 loss.
Exeter Chiefs Preview – Can Chiefs make it six in a row?
Exeter are striding away at the top of the Premiership with a 14 points lead over second-placed Sale.
It is a five-match winning streak in the league that the Chiefs currently on after beating Worcester last weekend.
That was a 59-7 win that the Chiefs took at Sandy Park against the Warriors.
In their last five games against Northampton, Exeter have claimed four wins, but those were all at home.
Can they bank the away win?
There is a 5/4 quote on them that says they will* (odds taken 22:12 GMT Thursday, 3rd September).
It’s not exactly as if they can be counted out with such strong form behind them.
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Exeter Chiefs have taken a bonus point win in four of their last five league wins.
It has been one loss out on the road in all competitions for Exeter since October last year.
That was a league defeat at Harlequins in February.
Over the last eight meetings between Exeter and Northampton, the Chiefs have lost just once.
They are currently averaging 31 points per game this season and on top of that, boast the second-best defensive record.
An Exeter Chiefs -2 handicap is at evens* (odds taken 22:12 GMT Thursday, 3rd September).
Northampton Saints vs Exeter Chiefs Betting Advice
The bookmakers are expecting a tight duel in this contest, with a little favouritism going towards the home team.
Northampton certainly need the win more than the Chiefs do and September is now ramping up into a congested fixture list.
The Chiefs have five games in the space of 16 days coming up now, so may be tempted to shuffle their line up.
Key Facts – Northampton Saints vs Exeter Chiefs Betting Tip
- Northampton Saints have claimed two wins in the last ten rounds of action only
- Northampton Saints have lost their last five home games
- Exeter Chiefs have won their last five league matches
But still, this is Exeter and although their form at Franklin’s Gardens is nothing to write home about, they are surely still worth a flutter.
We wouldn’t be unhappy with that 5/4 quote on an Exeter Chiefs outright* (odds taken 22:12 GMT Thursday, 3rd September).
We would also consider a 1-10 winning margin for the Chiefs at 11/4* (odds taken 22:12 GMT Thursday, 3rd September).
The best betting odds for Northampton Saints vs Exeter Chiefs
Northampton Saints to win: 4/6 at Bet365
Draw: 20/1 at Bet365
Exeter Chiefs to win: 5/4 at Bet365
