This weekend's Premiership Predictions

FOUR clubs are vying for three places in the end-of-season Welsh Premiership championship play-offs ahead of the last set of weekend fixtures.

Current leaders and play-off champions last term, Llanelli, Aberavon, Llandovery, and 2011 regular season table-toppers Pontypridd are the only teams that can triumph this year.

Whoever finishes top of the table goes straight through to the championship play-off final next month while the sides in second and third must meet to decide who plays them.

In the last campaign, Pontypridd, despite heading the standings at the end of 26 games, fell at the final hurdle against Llanelli at Sardis Road – the Scarlets had seen off Neath to get there.

This time around, Pontypridd sit fourth though crucially they have a game in hand, at home to Llandovery next Wednesday. This Saturday, the valleys outfit face what on paper looks an easy task when they travel to Swansea.

Two wins and one extra bonus point will guarantee Pontypridd top spot no matter what Llanelli, Aberavon and Llandovery do in their remaining matches.

Swansea v Pontypridd

With Ponty averaging more than 45 points in their last four league games, an away win seems on the cards at St Helens. The fact that they put 50-plus points on the Whites earlier this month also points towards an easy afternoon for Dale McIntosh’s men.

Swansea were hammered 38-6 by Llandovery on Tuesday night but although it’s been a season to forget for coach Jason Hyatt and his troops, they do still have the chance of finishing the season above rivals Cardiff in ninth place.

Verdict – Pontypridd by 20 points

Aberavon v Cross Keys

After beating Cornish Pirates to reach the British & Irish Cup final, Keys haven’t been at their best as they scraped through to the Swalec Cup final on try count against Ebbw Vale and flattered to deceive at Tonmawr in the league last night.

The Wizards have won the last five, including a convincing victory over Keys at Pandy Park, and with the Gwent club’s eyes now focused on their two cup finals in May, you’d expect the hosts to win and therefore book a place in the top three.

Verdict – Aberavon by 12 points

Pontypool v Llanelli

Llanelli timed their run perfectly last season and no-one would put it past them to do the same this time around and win back-to-back play-off finals.

Just a win should be good enough given Llandovery’s tough assignment at Pontypridd next week though the visitors will more than likely get a bonus point too at Pontypool Park.

They too are on a five-game winning streak and go for a league double against their hosts.

Verdict – Llanelli by 15 points

Cardiff v Neath

With only pride left to play for, both teams are looking to finish the campaign on a high. Given Neath’s start to the season, it’s disappointing for them they haven’t at least banked a play-off place as they did in 2011.

Verdict – Neath by six points