Welsh Premiership weekend predictions

Aberavon v Pontypridd

After the elation of a fantastic draw against Llandovery, Aberavon were brought back down to earth last time out at Bridgend although they did pick up a losing bonus point away from home.

Pontypridd’s last outing was at the end of October when they surprisingly lost to Newport at Rodney Parade and with an extended break they are playing catch-up on all the other teams in terms of games played.

You’d have to go for a home win in this one but not by as many points as some may expect given the positions of the clubs in the table.

Verdict – Pontypridd by eight points

Bedwas v Cardiff

There were positive results for both these clubs in their last matches with Bedwas earning a hard-fought draw at leaders Llandovery and Cardiff beating a struggling Neath side.

Bedwas will start as favourites, more so as they are at home, but Cardiff, if they can keep the penalty count down and not give the likes of Richard Powell the chance of easy points in front of goal, could well get something out of it.

Verdict – Bedwas by nine points

Cross Keys v Llandovery

Successive draws constitutes something of a crisis for Llandovery this season given that until then they had won every game with a bonus point!

The break has given them time to regroup but it will be a tough test going to Pandy Park, traditionally one of the hardest places for visiting teams to win in the Premiership.

Verdict – Llandovery by seven points

Neath v Newport

With Neath really in the doldrums Newport have to see this as an opportunity to pile more woe onto the All Blacks, who have won just twice all season.

Newport are going for a third win in a row after seeing off Pontypridd and then Swansea so will start as favourites anyway.

Verdict – Newport by eight points

Swansea v Bridgend

If Swansea want to turn their season around then the next week or so will be crucial as they host Bridgend and Neath.

Just six points from nine games represents one of the worst starts in the club’s history and if they aren’t careful they could still be rooted to the bottom of the table in five months’ time.

Verdict – Bridgend by 10 points

By David Williams