Aberavon v Bedwas
Both were knocked out of the cup, Bedwas at Cross Keys and Aberavon at home to Bargoed, making them one of the highest profile casualties of the second round.
They should start with a stronger line-up against Bedwas and will want to make amends for three defeats in a row in all competitions.
Bedwas pushed Llandovery all the way in their last league outing after a big win at Cardiff before that.
Verdict – Aberavon by five points
Cardiff v Neath
Cardiff’s problem this season has been their inconsistency, pushing the top sides close one week but losing to the likes of Newport the next.
Based on their respective records this term, there is only one winner at the Arms Park, not forgetting Neath always have the disappointment of last season’s Premiership play-offs to spur them on.
The fact Cardiff have lost more games than they’ve won says everything about their predicament in the bottom half of the table.
Verdict – Neath by seven points
Llandovery v Swansea
It’s unlikely the Drovers will have a hangover from the low-scoring cup defeat to Pontypridd and less likely they will put in a performance like that again this season.
To some it might seem inevitable that with games in hand Neath will eventually overtake Llandovery but the Church Bank side are so far staying the course.
Jason Hyatt continues with his youth policy at Swansea which looks like taking a bit of time to bed in before the programme bears fruit.
Verdict – Llandovery by eight points
Llanelli v Pontypool
The Scarlets’ cup win at Bonymaen went some way to repairing the damage caused by their British & Irish thrashing at Cross Keys.
And they have got the squad to deal with what Pooler can throw at them at Parc y Scarlets although the visitors have got a deadeye kicker in fly-half Tom Hancock.
Verdict – Llanelli by nine points
Pontypridd v Carmarthen Quins
Right now, Quins are the Premiership’s form team and have shot up to third in the table in the blink of an eye.
Their late win against Bridgend in the cup would have further boosted the morale at Carmarthen Park and they could be the dark horses this season.
Pontypridd will always be there or thereabouts and are not far behind in fourth.
Verdict – Pontypridd by three points
Tonmawr v Cross Keys
With Keys having one eye on the British & Irish Cup, who knows, lightning could strike twice at the Whitworth Ground on the back of Tonmawr’s first win of the season last Saturday.
Keys hammered Tonmawr 56-19 back in October but it won’t be as clear cut this time even if the hosts haven’t won in the league yet
Verdict – Cross Keys by 10 points
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