Bath v Leicester predictions and rugby union tips: Tigers to make fast start

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Bath v Leicester in the Premiership on Friday.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 7.45pm Friday

Best bet

Leicester -2 on first-half handicap
2pts 10-11 Betfair, Paddy Power

Preview

Leicester return after nearly a month off from Premiership action to find themselves well off the pace and in urgent need of a win when they travel to in-form Bath.

The Tigers trail leaders Saracens by 22 points with Bath now hot on their heels, moving to within three points of the champions after back-to-back wins.

Despite Bath’s recent turnaround in fortunes and a decent home record against Leicester, the bookmakers have pegged the visitors as five-point favourites to pick up where they left off when winning at Harlequins on October 16.

Despite the absence of ten internationals, the Tigers have managed to name a strong starting line-up, featuring Dan Cole, Freddie Burns and a back three of Chris Ashton, Nemani Nadolo and former Bath man Anthony Watson.

Director of rugby Steve Borthwick is clearly eager to make a good start rather than rely on a bench containing several youngsters, and there’s more than enough talent and experience in the 15 to make sure Leicester at least have their noses in front at the break.

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