Predictions: Premiership Rugby Round 4 - Who takes the Bragging Rights from Derby Weekend?

We begin up in the North of England, as Sale Sharks get set to host Newcastle Falcons. Following this are back to back West County derbies, beginning with Exeter Chiefs against Bristol Bears at Sandy Park, and Gloucester hosting their blue, black and white rivals Bath up at Kingsholm. The East Midlands battle is Saturday's late kick off, as Leicester Tigers take on Northampton Saints at Welford Road.

Sunday's sole fixture is a clash in the capital, as Saracens make the tip across London down to the Twickenham Stoop, for their derby date with Harlequins. Plenty of fireworks are expected in all five fixtures, with the players set to leave it all out on the line to take home the derby day victory. Here are Ruck's predictions on how the action will unfold.

Sale Sharks Reporter Charlie Elliott predicted; "Sale come off of a very positive win against Gloucester despite being hindered by injuries, and now that a lot of the players are back and they have the full du Preez and Curry brothers together they’ll be much stronger this week. Newcastle haven’t shown much quality yet but always have plenty of fight. A statement Sale win seems on the cards, with them to win by over 20 points being my prediction."

Newcastle Falcons Reporter Harvey Allen added; "Sale are always a hard team to beat for any side. They’ve shown good strength at home and are very good at winning gritty games. Newcastle on the other hand haven’t shown much against their previous opponents and rookie errors amongst other weaknesses have limited them this season. Sale trample Falcons by 20+ points on Friday night."

Exeter Chiefs Reporter Jack Sanderson said; "After a disappointing defeat last weekend against Saracens, it doesn't get any easier for the Chiefs with a west country derby at home against Bristol.

"Bristol have got off to a great start with two wins from three, including a big win away against Bath, so will be motivated to continue their good start. I think with the home advantage the Chiefs will pick up their first win of the season in what i think will be a very tightly fought contest."

Bristol Bears Reporter Ben Thorne predicted; "After last week’s phenomenal West Country derby victory over Bath, Bristol should come into the tie brimming with confidence facing an Exeter side still looking for a first win of the season.

"The loss of Max Malins for at least eight weeks could be a problem for the Bears but I think they’ll have enough to take the spoils at Sandy Park. Prediction, Exeter 26-35 Bristol."

Gloucester Rugby Reporter Ben Baker said; "It’s another West Country derby for Skivington’s Cherries as they host last years finalists, Bath. Gloucester have looked more positive this season compared to last year, narrowly beating Bristol Bears and nearly picking up a win against Sale Sharks.

The Cherries have also been known for playing more expansive and attacking rugby this season. I don’t think Gloucester quite have enough to beat Bath this weekend and I can see the visitors picking up an eight point win in a relatively close encounter."

Bath Rugby Reporter Sam Jess added; "Bath were shocked last week by a rampant Bristol side, so they will have to improve vastly if they are to avoid a second consecutive derby defeat.

"They have won on their last two visits to Kingsholm and have the capability to make it three, but Gloucester are much improved from the past few seasons, playing some brilliant rugby. If Bath start slowly again, Gloucester will win, but don’t expect Johann van Graan’s side to start slowly again. It will be close, but Bath should edge it. Gloucester 23-30 Bath."

Chief Rugby Writer Tom Sansom predicted: The East Midlands derby is one of the most historic matches in English club rugby. With plenty of pride on the line between Leicester and Northampton, it's safe to say that there will be a lot of hard-hitting collisions in this clash at Welford Road.

Leicester and Northampton both enter this match with two wins in their first three rounds, with the Tigers sat at third, and the Saints in fifth. Leicester clipped the Falcons wings last weekend with their emphatic 42-10 win up at Kingston Park, while the Saints took home the win from a thrilling 33-29 battle with Harlequins. Two in form sides, but I can see the Saints triumphing by three in a narrow away win. I predict Leicester Tigers 25 - 28 Northampton Saints.

Harlequins Reporter George Davis predicted: "Derby weekend is here and it doesn’t get much bigger than this for Quins. The match up of both the back rows will be key to slowing down the others attack and the match up of Fin Baxter and Marco Riccioni will be a good one. 1,720 days since Harlequins last beat Saracens in the Premiership, surely it will happen soon? 36-25 to Harlequins."

London Rugby Reporter Will Gupwell added; "On derby weekend, a visit to the Stoop doesn’t bring the same fear as other venues across the Gallagher Premiership. With three bonus points wins under their belt and the prospect of a derby victory on the horizon, it’s hard to see Saracens not coming away with yet another win against a Harlequins side plagued by injuries. Saracens to win by 10."