Ugo Monye's PREM Rugby predictions and vote: Gloucester tipped as 'dark horses' as champions Northampton Saints face 'massive game'

The Gallagher PREM 2026/27 campaign continues on Friday night when Bath Rugby take on Exeter Chiefs live with TNT Sports on HBO Max, before a bumper Saturday features three matches ahead of Saracens' clash with Sale Sharks on Sunday.

Highlights: Segun brace helps Saracens edge Leicester in 12-try thriller

Video credit: TNT Sports

With half the sides looking to back up morale-boosting opening wins, and the other half desperate to set things right after an opening day to forget, a gripping weekend awaits.

Ugo Monye is making his predictions every week this season, going up against Oval Insights' supercomputer, as well as you - the fans.

And after week 1, the humans are beating the tech...

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	Ugo	Supercomputer	Fans
Week 1	3/5	2/5	3/5
Running %	60%	40%	60%

This week's action kicks off on Friday night at 19:45 UK time at The Rec, where Bath are looking for a second win on the bounce when they face an Exeter Chiefs side coming off a humbling home defeat to Gloucester.

On Saturday, the games come thick and fast, with three in a row to keep you occupied, all live with TNT Sports on HBO Max.

First up, champions Northampton Saints go to Bristol at 15:05 in a battle between two attack-minded sides who are on a high after opening-day wins. Gloucester host Harlequins at 17:30, before Leicester Tigers travel north to take on a transformed Newcastle Red Bulls side at 19:45.

The weekend's action rounds off on Sunday with a blockbuster battle between Saracens and Sale Sharks at 15:00.

Ahead of the second week of the league, our Ugo has made his predictions for the five fixtures, and you can also have your say on who will come out on top.

Bath v Exeter

Ugo's winner: Bath

Ugo says: "I'm expecting Bath back at home under the lights to have enough. Perhaps a few scars from last season's semi-final will provide added motivation."

Bristol v Northampton

Ugo's winner: Northampton

Ugo says: "Massive game for the champs! The two best attacking teams going head-to-head should make for superb viewing. Last season, Saints were 35-0 down at half-time and lost 46-12. I can’t see lightning striking twice."

Gloucester v Harlequins

Ugo's winner: Gloucester

Ugo says: "Are the Cherry and Whites this year's dark horse? Based on round one at Sandy Park, then absolutely. Home comforts should be enough to beat Harlequins, who were combative against Bath last week. They will be better this week with George Furbank set to make his Quins PREM debut."

Highlights: Northampton thump Newcastle to begin title defence in style

Video credit: TNT Sports

Newcastle v Leicester

Ugo's winner: Leicester

Ugo says: "Tough fixture for Leicester, but I'm expecting a big response to losing their opening fixture at home. The Red Bulls beat Leicester in the Prem Rugby Cup just a few weeks ago, which will give them confidence on Saturday night. The atmosphere should be electric. Leicester win, and Christian Wade with a double to get closer to the all-time Prem record."

Saracens v Sale

Ugo's winner: Saracens

Ugo says: "Always a good, physical fixture. Saracens are going to be a tough nut to crack, as proven last week away from home against Leicester. That was a statement win. Sale are still bedding in plenty of signings over the summer, they will be a fabulous side when they click."