(All fixtures are to be played on 11/12/13 September) FRIDAY Worcester v Leeds Given their performance against Northampton last week (losing 20-17) and how they played away from home, Worcester are going to be chomping at the bit to put things right. They are always difficult to beat at home and I think they will win quite comfortably.  | 606: DEBATE |
I've not seen Leeds' match from last week but no tries were scored and it will be a hard season for them. Any game they can pinch away from home is a bonus. They have got to concentrate on their home games and Worcester will be one of their opportunities to win away from home. They will realise this weekend how tough the Premiership is going to be. Verdict: Worcester by a couple of scores. Match report: Worcester 27-7 Leeds
SATURDAY Bath v Wasps Bath will be on the rebound after their 24-5 loss to Gloucester - I can't believe they will make as many mistakes again this weekend, it was slightly embarrassing for the players involved. What that game proved was how hard it will be for teams to win away from home this season - last week there were no away winners. Wasps played OK against Harlequins (winning 26-15) but, considering they were playing against 14 men for almost the whole match, they really didn't put them away. Verdict: Bath by one score. Match report: Bath 15-17 Wasps
Harlequins v Leicester Leicester will be fuming after losing away by such a narrow margin last time (15-12 at Sale) - they will be a top four team at the end of the season, as will Quins, who showed what a tough team they'll be to beat in playing almost the whole game against Wasps with 14 men. I see Quins winning by at least a try and a conversion - despite Dean Richards not being there anymore. They showed enough tenacity, grit and grunt in that opening game to make me think they'll win. Verdict: Harlequins - but only because of home advantage. Match report: Harlequins 9-15 Leicester
Saracens v Northampton Northampton had a shocking start (going 17-0 down in the first half hour of their opening game) but proved they mean business by the way they came back to win 20-17 - but remember it was only against Worcester, who are perceived as being one of the lesser teams. It will be very interesting to see how Saracens turn up after beating my favourites for the title, London Irish, 18-14. Irish threw it away, they should have won, and playing the game at Wembley will strip Saracens of home advantage, which would make a big difference. It'll be very close, but I tip Northampton to sneak it. Verdict: Northampton - just. Match report: Saracens 19-16 Northampton
SUNDAY London Irish v Gloucester As I've already said, Irish are my favourites for the title, and they'll be so annoyed with themselves that they lost a game they should have won against Saracens. Gloucester thoroughly deserved to beat Bath. Their biggest threat is fly-half Nicky Robinson, he is their guiding light and if Irish can contain him and play to the levels they played at last season, they will win. Verdict: London Irish by a couple of scores. Match report: London Irish 40-10 Gloucester
Newcastle v Sale I would love to think Newcastle can carry on from the back end of last season, when they played some fantastic, beautiful rugby, but I fear for their losses. With Jonny Wilkinson, Tom May and Jamie Noon having left the club, they have lost a bit of their soul. If they can ever recapture it, it will be with a win against Sale. It is the hardest game to call this weekend as Sale started with great win over Leicester despite also losing a lot of players. I will say Newcastle as it is so close to call - home advantage will probably prove the difference. Verdict: Newcastle - but only because they're at home. Match report: Newcastle 16-16 Sale Jeremy Guscott was talking to BBC Sport's Julian Shea
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