This weekend's Premiership Predictions

Carmarthen Quins v Aberavon (Carmarthen Park, Saturday, 2.30pm)

With leaders Neath not playing until Sunday, Aberavon know they can go top for at least 24 hours tomorrow if they pick up two points at Carmarthen Park.

Both sides had good wins last weekend though they came in very different ways. Quins held on to beat Pontypridd 27-26 while the Wizards picked up a try bonus point against Newport.

This is likely to be the game of the day and with home advantage Quins might just sneak it - a bonus-point win would see them move level with Neath.

“We fancy anyone at the Park,” said Quins team manager Steffan Thomas. “I’m sure Aberavon will give us a run for our money and will come down expecting a really tough game. We promise them that.

“If we’re serious about getting a British and Irish Cup spot these are the types of games we have to perform in.”

Aberavon coach Simon King added: “We have enjoyed success there in the past, but we can’t take too much from what happened there last year.

“Quins are always a difficult side on their own patch, and they’ve improved their consistency this season.”

Verdict – Quins by three points

Llandovery v Cross Keys (Church Bank, Saturday, 2.30pm)

This could be another close encounter at Church Bank as third-placed Llandovery square up against Cross Keys who are five points behind in seventh.

The Drovers will be seeking some revenge after being nilled by Keys at Pandy Park back last November and tomorrow’s hosts have only lost twice at home in the league this season.

However, Llandovery haven’t played a league game since January 21 so Keys could catch their opponents cold, and the Gwent side go into the fixture on the back of an excellent win at Llanelli last time out.

Verdict – Llandovery by five points

Llanelli v Tonmawr (Parc y Scarlets, Saturday, 2.30pm)

Only one winner here. After being beaten by Cross Keys last Saturday, Llanelli would have been buoyed to see that Tonmawr were their next opponents as they try to retain their Premiership crown.

The home team could have Tongan speedster Viliame Iongi available and director of rugby Anthony Buchanan is looking for a positive response following that setback in their last outing at Parc y Scarlets.

“Last Saturday was a tale of missed opportunities,” he admitted. “It was disappointing. We are in a position where we have a lot of home games to come, but we cannot afford to waste them.

“It was a tough game and there were fine margins in it, but we have under-performed in the past couple of weeks and it is important now that we react positively against Tonmawr.”

A bonus-point victory should be no problem while all Tonmawr can look to do is keep the score down.

Verdict – Llanelli by 20 points

Pontypool v Cardiff (Pontypool Park, Saturday, 2.30pm)

Pooler haven’t won a league game in 2012, though having said that they have only played three times since the turn of the year due to cup matches and postponements.

On the other hand, Cardiff have only won once in the Premiership this year but should have beaten Neath last weekend.

Even though Neath were handed a pretty contentious penalty to win it late on at The Gnoll, Cardiff will know they should have put the game to bed before that as they failed to make the most of a two-man advantage for a period in the second-half.

Verdict – Cardiff by seven points

Newport v Neath (Rodney Parade, Sunday, 2.30pm)

On paper, this encounter has a very one-sided look about it. Neath won the reverse fixture 36-16 way back in September and even though a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then, a similar result looks inevitable.

But Neath coach Patrick Horgan won’t be taking things for granted. He said: “We know we have a tough challenge ahead of us because Newport are a far, far better side than their record suggests and it is a bit of a mystery to all that they have struggled this season.

“Past experience means that we will never treat Newport with anything but respect and, while we have had problems of our own this season, the boys keep producing the goods and our supporters are 100% behind the squad.”

Verdict – Neath by 12 points