Carl Field's Principality Premiership predictions

All Wales Sport's CARL FIELD looks ahead to tonight's action in the Principality Premiership, as well as tomorrow afternoon’s game at Rodney Parade…

Aberavon v Cardiff (7.30pm)

On paper, Cardiff should pick up a win at the Talbot Athletic Ground tonight, although the fact they haven’t played competitively since November 1 might work against them.

It’s up to Aberavon to exploit any rustiness and Jason Hyatt will be demanding a performance from his side after – by their own admission – some poor performances in recent weeks.

Prediction: Aberavon by 4 points

Bedwas v Llandovery (7.30pm)

Bedwas will be buoyed from their win at Bridgend last Sunday when they came from behind to steal the spoils late on – and I’m backing them to follow that up with another win against the Drovers at the Bridge Field this evening.

Prediction: Bedwas by 6 points

Bridgend v Ebbw Vale (7.30pm)

The Ravens undid the good work they’d done at Aberavon by surrendering a 16-6 half time lead on their way to defeat at home against Bedwas last time out – and they are likely to be in for a tough evening against the Gwent side this evening.

The Steelmen have lost their last two outings – albeit against the likely top two come the end of the season in Pontypridd and Carmarthen Quins.

Jason Strange’s men have won five out of eight since returning to the top flight and I expect that to be six from nine come full time at the Bridge Field.

Prediction: Ebbw Vale by 15 points

Cross Keys v Carmarthen Quins (7.30pm)

With seven wins out of seven, Carmarthen Quins have put an early marker down as the main challengers to champions Pontypridd.

Louie Tonkin’s side certainly had to dig deep at the Gnoll last Friday in order to see off a determined effort from struggling Neath with defeat staring them in the face.

And it’s that ability to dig deep that sets teams on their way to winning championships.

Quins face another tough game at Pandy Park against Cross Keys, who have been a bit hit and miss in the early part of the season and I predict another win for Quins, as they look to keep hold of Pontypridd’s coat-tails heading into another break for the British & Irish Cup.

Prediction: Carmarthen Quins by 8 points

Newport v Neath (Saturday, 1.30pm)

Having not played since November 1, a break should have given Newport time to regroup and get some of their depleted squad back and build on their home victory over Llanelli last time out.

Although standing in their way tomorrow will be a Neath side with renewed confidence having beaten Cross Keys and taken Carmarthen Quins to the wire in their last two games.

I’m going for a narrow away win here…

Prediction: Neath by 3 points