Rugby Union
Gallagher Premiership Betting Tips & Predictions: Leicester can upset the odds against Bristol
William Hill News provides betting tips and predictions for the fifth round of the Gallagher Premiership season.
The league is beginning to take shape now as the stronger sides set the precedent and cracks are beginning to appear in those teams who find themselves at the wrong end of the table.
This weekend brings with it another important round of fixtures, with key clashes across the board.
Here, we offer an insight into how things could evolve and the best bets for the weekend.
Bristol Bears v Leicester Tigers – Friday 30th October, 19:45
The fifth round of fixtures kicks off with an absolute belter on Friday night, as second-place Leicester Tigers travel to third-place Bristol.
Bristol head into this one with the home advantage and as such they’re the 1/2 favourites, but Leicester are on a strong run in the league. The Tigers’ last two wins have come against league leaders Gloucester and fourth-place Northampton.
At 8/5, the away side look better value to continue their winning run against the Premiership’s top sides.
Prediction: Leicester Tigers to win – 8/5
Exeter Chiefs v Harlequins – Saturday 31st October, 15:00
Saturday afternoon starts off with two of the Premiership’s struggling sides, as Exeter Chiefs host Harlequins at Sandy Park.
Exeter’s only win from their opening four league games came at the expense of Newcastle Red Bulls, hardly an impressive form line. Quins, on the other hand, stopped the rot with their 33-15 victory over Saracens.
With key players returning, Quins are moving in the right direction and can build on last week’s victory with another solid performance here.
Prediction: Harlequins +9 Handicap Betting – 10/11
Saracens v Newcastle Red Bulls – Saturday 31st October, 15:00
Saracens are looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat to Quins last weekend, while Newcastle Red Bulls a hoping to make it back-to-back league wins following their victory over Sale.
Saracens certainly have the quality edge here, but Newcastle are a much-improved side and will be no pushover here. They only lost five points to Leicester and six to Exeter, so the 19-point handicap appeals here.
Prediction: Newcastle Red Bulls +19 Handicap Betting – 10/11
Bath v Sale Sharks – Saturday 31st October, 15:05
Bath v Sale is a proper mid-table clash, with both teams hoping to put themselves amongst the league’s top teams, but also having to look over their shoulders at the bottom of the pile.
Sale’s loss to Newcastle last weekend does not make for good reading, while Bath – traditionally one of the Premiership’s strongest sides – have been downed by current league leaders Gloucester and fourth-place Northampton.
Bath’s form is much stronger, and they can assert their dominance here.
Prediction: Bath -13 Handicap Betting – 5/6
Northampton Saints v Gloucester – Saturday 31st October, 17:30
Saturday evening is set to provide fireworks as fourth faces first with Northampton Saints welcoming Gloucester to Franklin’s Gardens.
Gloucester’s unprecedented start to the season has them sitting top of the pile, while Northampton Saints were flying until their 28-7 defeat to Leicester last weekend. Despite that, they head into this fixture as 1/5 favourites.
That opens up some value on Gloucester’s end, even if they’re not to emerge victorious here.
Prediction: Gloucester +10 Handicap Betting – 10/11
*Prices accurate at the time of writing – odds subject to change*
