Sale vs Exeter Chiefs Prediction: Chiefs to push Sharks all the way

Gallagher Prem action returns after the Autumn Internationals and there is set to be a competitive clash at CorpAcq Stadium on Friday night (19:45, TNT Sports Extra) as Sale Sharks host Exeter Chiefs.

Alex Jack provides his best bets in his Sale vs Exeter Chiefs prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the showdown in Greater Manchester.

Sale vs Exeter Chiefs Odds

Sale are 1/3 favourites to claim the spoils on Friday, while Exeter are 12/5 to make the trip south with the victory.

A draw at CorpAcq Stadium is currently 20/1, while the Chiefs with a +3.5 half-time handicap are available at 5/6.

Team News

Starting with the Sharks, the hosts go with Si McIntyre, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Asher Opoku-Fordjour in the front-row, with skipper Ernst van Rhyn and Ben Bamber in the second row.

Sale start with a back row of Jacques Vermeulen, Tom Curry and Dan du Preez, while Gus Warr and George Ford combine in the half-backs.

Rekeiti Ma’asi-White and Rob du Preez pair up in the centres, while the Sharks have a back three of Alex Wills, Tom O’Flaherty, Luke James.

As for the visitors, Exeter have Will Goodrick-Clarke, Joseph Dweba and Josh Iosefa-Scott in the front row, with captain Dafydd Jenkins and Andrea Zambonin in the second row.

Tom Hooper, Ethan Roots and Greg Fisilau complete the pack, while Charlie Chapman and Harvey Skinner combine in the half-backs.

Len Ikitau and Henry Slade are the starting centre partnership, with Olly Woodburn, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Josh Hodge in the back three.

Exeter Chiefs +5 handicap @ 21/20

After some difficult seasons, Exeter fans will be delighted to see their side competing again near the top of the Gallagher Prem standings.

Currently occupying third spot in the table, with three wins, a draw and a defeat in their opening five games, the Chiefs have been the surprise package in the Prem so far.

While they have a host of attacking stars that are capable of hurting teams, including the Prem's leading tryscorer this season Feyi-Waboso, it's Exeter's improved defence that has contributed greatly to their impressive start.

Conceding just 78 points, at an average of 15.6 per game, the Chiefs boast the best defensive record in the league ahead of a tough trip to Sale on Friday.

The Sharks are formidable on their own patch, winning all of their last five Prem games at CorpAcq Stadium.

On the back of an impressive month with England, Ford is back in the No.10 jersey for Sale, while the likes of Cowan-Dickie and Curry will add further strength to this Sharks XV.

Given their home record, it's unsurprising to see Sale has favourites, but Exeter with a +5 handicap are worth considering.

The Chiefs have come on leaps and bounds in defence and, with the likes of Feyi-Waboso and fellow England international Slade in their backline, Exeter can score enough points to make this a close one in Greater Manchester.

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