2020-21 Premiership Rugby – Harlequins vs Exeter Chiefs Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Harlequins vs Exeter Chiefs taking place? Friday 20th November, 2020 – 19:45 (UK)
Where is Harlequins vs Exeter Chiefs taking place? Twickenham Stoop, London
What is the expected weather for Harlequins vs Exeter Chiefs? Cloudy, 12c
Where can I get tickets for Harlequins vs Exeter Chiefs? This match will be played behind closed doors
What television channel is Harlequins vs Exeter Chiefs on? BT Sport have the rights to televise Gallagher Premiership matches so it is worth checking their schedule
Where can I stream Harlequins vs Exeter Chiefs? If televised on BT Sport, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app
THE TEAM NEWS
Harlequins: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Nathan Earle, 13 Luke Northmore, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Danny Care, 8 Alex Dombrandt, 7 Will Evans, 6 Tom Lawday, 5 Stephen Lewies (c), Matt Symons, 3 Wilco Louw, 1 Santiago Garcia Botta
Replacements: 16 Jack Musk, 17 Jordan Els, 18 Simon Kerrod, 19 Glen Young, 20 Archie White, 21 Jack Stafford, 22 Ben Tapuai, 23 Tyrone Green
Exeter Chiefs: 15 Facundo Cordero, 14 Tom O’Flaherty, 13 Ian Whitten, 12 Ollie Devoto, 11 Olly Woodburn,10 Joe Simmonds, 9 Jack Maunder, 8 Sam Simmonds, 7 Jannes Kirsten, 6 Dave Ewers, 5 Don Armand, 4 Will Witty, 3 Harry Williams, 2 Jack Yeandle (c), 1 Alec Hepburn
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Ben Moon, 18 Marcus Street, 19 Tom Price, 20 Richard Capstick, 21 Stu Townsend, 22 Harvey Skinner, 23 Tom Hendrickson
THE PREDICTION
Exeter Chiefs have had the word “dynasty” uttered about them this year after their title-winning campaign over a disrupted 2019-20 season. They could well enjoy an odd edge in this quick turnaround to the new season as they will carry much of their momentum straight through here and can also find some comfort in low covid-19 rates in their part of the country. In the current climate, that could see the Chiefs launch themselves into an unassailable lead as teams around them fall foul of postponements and the loss of squad members to self-isolation and the Chiefs will do well to continue their disciplined form into 2020-21. They face an early test against Harlequins, who finished in mid-table last season with a pretty despondent points difference they need to fix this campaign. The home side will not fancy their chances against the new Premiership giants and Exeter can overpower them to cover -5.