Principality Premiership Friday predictions

Bedwas v Newport

Two teams in form meet at the Bridge Field with table toppers Bedwas unbeaten in five and Newport without a loss in three.

The visitors’ games at home to Aberavon last weekend was postponed because of a sodden Rodney Parade pitch so they may have lost a bit of match sharpness in the meantime.

Bedwas edged the reverse fixture in Newport 26-25 in September so they might have a slight psychological advantage as they go for a league double.

Verdict – Bedwas by three points

Cardiff v Bridgend

Both sides lost last time out but that blip came at contrasting times for these two clubs.

While Bridgend’s lacklustre defeat to Llanelli was their first after four straight wins, Cardiff’s defeat at Llandovery was a fourth in the last five.

Cardiff still hold the upper hand over their opponents in the table, one place and three points ahead of the Ravens in eighth.

Verdict – Cardiff by five points

Carmarthen Quins v Neath

Neath’s narrow victory against Swansea last Saturday was vital to the confidence levels at the club as it arrested a run of six consecutive losses.

That win was Neath’s only one on the road this season while the Quins will want to get back to winning ways after defeats to Bedwas and Llanelli.

Verdict – Quins by 10 points

Cross Keys v Swansea

After taking on title contenders Pontypridd and Llandovery in their last two games, matches they lost and won respectively, Keys have what should be a much easier task on Friday.

With just one victory this season it’s no surprise that Swansea are at the bottom of the table but if they pick up a couple of points at Pandy Park and other results go their way they will send Aberavon to last place.

Verdict – Cross Keys by 15 points

Llandovery v Pontypridd

Many will see this as a potential dress rehearsal for May’s grand final as second hosts third at Church Bank.

With only one defeat each this season these are the two toughest teams to beat in the league and with a game in hand over the Drovers and two over Bedwas, Pontypridd know a win on Friday would probably see them become slight favourites for the title.

Verdict – Llandovery by four points

Llanelli v Aberavon

Aberavon have no league win in four while Llanelli are going for four successes on the bounce and home advantage will make them favourites here.

Llanelli took the spoils 26-6 at Aberavon in September and even though the latter is struggling near the foot of the table they do have a match in hand over the teams around them.

Verdict – Llanelli by 10 points

By David Williams