Bristol v Gloucester: Premiership rugby match preview, odds & tip

Free rugby union tips, best bets and analysis for Bristol v Gloucester in the Gallagher Premiership.

Where to watch

BT Sport 2, 3pm Saturday

Best bet

Gloucester
1pt 6-5 Betfair

Joe Simpson to score a try in 80 mins
1pt 23-10 Betfair

Match preview

Bristol's fine start to the Premiership season has ebbed away with three consecutive defeats.

While losing away to Saracens was perhaps expected, their setbacks at home at Wasps and away at Leicester were below-par efforts.

That run of results has seen them drop four points behind the playoff places and five behind this week's opponents Gloucester.

A third straight Premiership home game without a win could be damaging to Bristol's ambitions of making the semi-finals for the first time.

Gloucester arrive at Ashton Gate having played well in defeat against Toulouse last weekend and they are now looking to cement their place in the Premiership playoff places.

They don't have the best record when making the short journey to Bristol, having lost their last three away fixtures against the Bears. That run includes a 20-17 reverse in the Premiership Cup earlier in the season.

Although Danny Cipriani is ruled out through injury, Owen Williams is a capable deputy and will combine with Joe Simpson, who is having a fine season at scrum-half since moving from Wasps.

Johan Ackermann will be delighted that exciting 18-year old winger Louis Rees-Zammit has been passed fit and they could take advantage of a leaky Bristol defence - they have conceded 23 tries in eight games.

Premiership title hopefuls Exeter should be too strong for Sale in Devon, while Leicester will be looking to build on their win over Bristol last time out when they travel to Bath.

Worcester Warriors and Wasps look set to fight out a close contest at Sixways.

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