Quins have only turned out once at the Stoop this season, losing 33-2 when table-toppers Exeter Chiefs came to town.
However, they have recorded back-to-back victories on the road at Northampton Saints and Gloucester to put them in the early running for a playoff charge.
They begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting fifth and level on points with opponents Bristol, who are flying high in third.
Bristol are also on a two-game winning streak after seeing off Worcester Warriors and Northampton at Ashton Gate, while their only loss of the term came away at Wasps.
With all things considered, and little to pick between the two sides in the early stages of the campaign, the value bet here lies with the home side.
The Bears have never recorded a victory when visiting Saturday’s opponents, losing each of the previous five meetings across all competitions.
Therefore, it’s worth taking on Harlequins to pick up a victory at 11/10.
Struggling Duo Square off at Franklin’s Gardens
Northampton and Worcester have both struggled to find their feet in the opening weeks of 2020-21.
Saints sit rock-bottom of the standings with just two points to show after losing all three of their engagements.
Worcester, meanwhile, won their opening engagement at home to London Irish, edging to an 11-10 triumph, but they have lost their last two outings against Bristol and Bath.
They sit just one place and two points better off than Saints, making Saturday’s 16:30 kick off a hugely important clash for both sides.
History suggests Saints will pick up their first win of the season after coming out on top in each of the last five meetings with Worcester.
The market appears to show that too, with Saints priced at 10/31 and Worcester available at 43/20.
When considering the early season form, the value really lies with the visitors, who have at least experienced that winning feeling once this campaign.
Deacon Looking for Winning Start
Interim head coach Paul Deacon takes charge of Sale for the first time on Sunday after the shock exit of director of rugby Steve Diamond earlier this month.
Diamond, who had been in the post for 10 years, confirmed his exit just three games into the season, leading the club to two victories during that sequence.
Deacon, who enjoyed a professional career in Rugby League with the likes of Bradford Bulls and Wigan Warriors, has been on the coaching staff at Sale since 2015.
Only time will tell if Diamond’s decision to move on will have a detrimental impact on performances, but the familiarity of Deacon should help during a transitional period.
His first test comes on Sunday at 15:00 when Wasps head to the AJ Bell Stadium off the back of successive Premiership defeats.
Wasps sit just three points clear of bottom side Northampton with just one win to show – against Bristol on the opening day.
Sale ran out winners in both home meetings with Wasps last season, edging a tight-affair in the Premiership Cup and sealing a 10-point triumph in the league.
The uncertainty surrounding the club after Diamond’s departure appears to have had an impact on the market and Sale are extremely tempting at 23/20.
*All odds correct at time of writing
