Can Leicester defend their 2022 Premier League title? Photo: Getty Images/David Rogers.
This thrilling, drama-filled season will never end without a wild finale, as nine clubs continue to battle for playoff qualification with three rounds to go. Here is our summary and predicted end.
1. Saracens (Played 17, 67 points)
Final matches:Northampton (A), London Irish (H), Bath (A).
Form and fitness check:The Saracens had chances to organize a tribune against La Rochelle, despite being baffled by the breakdown of Levani Botia and Andrew Brace. The loss of Billy Vunipole when Theo McFarland and Andy Christie are already out is a significant drain on their back-line resources. However, Elliot Daly should be back by the end of the season, which would come in handy. The home semi-final is secured and Mark McCall has hinted at a massive rotation over the next two weeks. He could reassemble the party at Bath to recuperate for the big May.
Estimated scores: seven. And the Saracens won't panic if they end up with one victory out of three.
2. Sale Sharks (Played 17, 56 points)
Finals:Bristol Bears (A), Gloucester (A), Newcastle Falcons (H)
Form and fitness check: walkthrough played just once since March 12, and with George Ford still feeling at linebacker after returning from an Achilles injury, Sale represents something of an unknown. However, Tom Curry is back and they can afford to lose once and still qualify for the home semi-finals. Rob du Prie stays in the center, while Alex Sanderson admits his midfield is not nailed down. Due to Kobus Wiese's injury, Tom Ellis signed a cover contract. Meanwhile, Dan du Prie has postponed the operation until the end of the season, which could prove extremely useful.
Projected Points: Fourteen. Drives to Ashton Gate and Kingsholme can be horrendous, but expect the sale to prevail.
George Ford would have a big say word for Sell Credit: Getty Images/Ryan Hiscott 3. Leicester Tigers (played 18, 53 points)
Finals: Exeter Chiefs < /strong>(H ), Harlequins (H)
Form and suitability check: Leinster will be hurt in Dublin, but the odd nature of this season's schedule means the Tigers will end with two more home games, making them six of the last eight at Welford Road to end the league campaign. The champions will be keen to see Matt Scott and Guy Porter return to shake up the midfield. Elsewhere, retiring Chris Ashton said he was back in shape and hungry for two more tries, while prostitute Nick Dolly could end a long absence.
Projected scores: ten. Aled Walters and Richard Wigglesworth are well versed in the fight for the title and will want to finish well in Leicester.
4. London Irish (Played 18, 51 pts)
Finals: Saracens (A), Exeter Chiefs (H)
Fitness and fitness test: The Exiles have amassed eight wins in 10 league matches, propelling them up the table in recreational style. Declan Kidney and Les Kiss have an established selection formula: six-two on the bench, and a trip to the Saracens shouldn't be too much of a concern. The Irish won the Brentford home game and Tom Pearson is huge against close-to-full strength opponents at the start of this impressive patch back in December. They will host Exeter in the 24th round just six days after the Devon Club Champions Cup semi-final against La Rochellein Bordeaux.
Projected points:
< p>strong>Nine. Brilliant win at Barnet before celebrating the last day of a return to the top four.
5. Northampton Saints (18 played, 48 points). and fitness check: As the longest back on a team with just two players left, the Saints should beat the Saracens this weekend. Luckily for them, Courtney Lowes is back in shape. Trevor Davison seems to be one step ahead. Its availability would be a big bonus. In the Premier League, Northampton have generally been much more confident at Franklins Gardens this season, aside from a crushing away victory over Leicester Tigers. They do not participate in the final round of games and must allow others to chase them.
Projected score: nine. Northampton should give themselves a chance, but ended up missing the last four.
6. Exeter Chiefs (Played 17, 43 points)
Finals: Leicester Tigers (A), Bristol Bears (H), London Irish (A)
Form and suitability check: After an insipid loss to Bath, there was a backlash and Exeter saved the European Cup semi-final from a rather odd season. The question is whether they will continue to put pressure on the home front starting this weekend because a winner-takes-all date with the London Irishman is possible. Rob Baxter insists he hasn't delved into the rumors of many senior players leaving yet, but the final home game against Bristol is sure to be emotionally charged. Jack Nowell's knee is a concern, and Luke Cowan-Dickey is unlikely to appear on the field.
Projected scores: six. The Chiefs will tune in to Bristol, but that could be their only remaining triumph in the Premier League campaign.
Exeter's Jack Nowell may miss the opening game. Photo: Getty Images/Ryan Hiscott. Sale Sharks (H), Exeter Chiefs (A), Gloucester (H)
Form and fit check: Quick finish or false dawn? Threatening another disappointing season, Bristol went on to record four consecutive league victories, including impressive routs against Northampton and the Harlequins. However, they then stumbled upon Leicester and fled Europe at the hands of Clermont. Semi Raddradra is not available, but Harry Randall looked especially impressive, and Charles Puteaux intended to go out in style. Meeting the Sale Sharks is an exciting meeting.
Projected score: six. I support the updated sale at Ashton Gate. Then Bristol have a tough day at Exeter but should finish well against Gloucester.
8. Harlequins (Played 17, 41 points)
Finals: Newcastle Falcons (D), Bath (D), Leicester Tigers (A)
Form and Physical form check: The return kings have set themselves a difficult task, as they often do. However, back-to-back home matches against the bottom two, with the second at Twickenham, represent the perfect start to the game. Will they be able to break through the weak performance against the Saracens and the Stormers for a shot at the top four at Welford Road? Louis Laina runs out for the London Scottish tournament.
Projected points: ten. Two smooth victories before defeat in Leicester.
9. Gloucester (Played 17, 40pts)
Finals: Bath (H), Sale Sharks (H), Bristol Bears (A)
Form and fitness test: La Rochelle, which ended in a crushing defeat. Injuries rocked them, Ruan Ackermann, Albert Tuisue and Val Rapava Raskin are among those who left before next season, but they still have a mathematical chance of making it to the playoffs. The Kingsholm Derby could be the perfect starting point.
Projected points: five. It is easy to see how Gloucester boasts of his success in the West Country. After that, against motivated opponents, it can be difficult.
Predicted the final top nine
1. Saracens
2. Sale of sharks
3. Leicester Tigers
4. London Irish
5. Northampton Saints
6. Harlequins
7. Exeter
8. Bristol
9. Gloucester
How do you think the premier league play-off race will turn out? Join the discussion in the comments section below
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