By Peter Ryan – @PeterRyanSports
To close out the return of the Gallagher Premiership, Sale Sharks will take on Leicester Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
It promises to be an excellent afternoon of viewing, as these two teams always put on an entertaining display whenever they face off.
The matchup is a must-win for both squads, as it could play a significant role in determining their positions at the end of the season.
Leicester currently sit second, whereas Sale are at the bottom in eighth.
It will be a brilliant game in Manchester, with international stars returning to the fold, and there could be many exciting betting options to consider.
Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks often fly under the radar when considering quality teams in Europe.
A side filled to the brim with talent, they frequently get overlooked in the stacked Premiership. They are not where they want to be, sitting eighth in the competition.
However, they will aim to climb back towards the top, and a win over Leicester would go a long way towards achieving this.
They found themselves in a similar position last year, but after going on a run of games, they managed to make the playoffs.
Before the international break, they were hampered by numerous injuries, which means Sale will now want to make the most of the second stint of the season.
The Sharks are a well-rounded team who can beat anyone on their day. Of course, they will need key players to step up if they want to win on Sunday.
With his experience and talent, George Ford is crucial to the side’s success as he orchestrates the attack and provides leadership. He is also one of the most accurate kickers in the game today.
Tom Curry is a sensational flanker who is a nightmare for the opposition, with his dynamic ball-carrying, hard-hitting defence, and ability to contest at the breakdown.
He and his brother, Ben Curry, are vital to the forward pack.
On the wing, Tom Roebuck has established himself as a formidable try-scorer. The Tigers will provide a stern challenge, meaning Sale must be at their best to secure victory.
Leicester Tigers
After a disappointing season last year, there was a lot of excitement around Leicester heading into this campaign.
A big part of this was the arrival of legendary coach Michael Cheika at Welford Road. The Australian brings a wealth of experience from coaching teams like Leinster, Argentina, and the Wallabies.
There has been a drastic improvement, with Leicester currently sitting second behind Bath. The team plays with tremendous resilience and heart, always fighting hard for victories.
They have been strong defensively, but their key strength lies in winning tight games.
Leicester have recorded some significant wins over Saracens, Northampton, and Gloucester, building positive momentum.
Their squad is filled with exceptional quality. For instance, South African fly-half Handré Pollard is one of the finest operators ever seen in the number ten position.
The Springbok excels in all facets of the game, from precise kicking to powerful ball-carrying. Tommy Reffell is a defensive powerhouse and a breakdown menace, creating numerous turnovers.
Nicky Smith has been an excellent addition from the Ospreys; the Welsh prop is a superb scrummager and outstanding in open play.
Leicester will field a formidable side as they aim to edge closer to the top of the table.
The Bets
There are some intriguing betting options for the game. The best bet is for Sale to win. It is a tight contest to call, but with home advantage, the Sharks are favoured.
This suggests value in betting on Sale to win by more than 2 points. It will likely be a close game but backing a margin of more than two points could pay off.
For those who prefer a longer shot, Leicester winning by more than four points is a plausible option, given the tremendous quality in their team and their good form.
Best Bet: Sale Sharks to win – 4/6
Value Bet: Sale Sharks to win by more than 2 points – 10/11
Longshot Bet: Leicester Tigers to win by more than four points – 23/10
