Exeter v Harlequins predictions and rugby union tips: Quins won't back down

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Exeter Chiefs v Harlequins in the Premiership on Sunday.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 3pm Sunday

Best bet

Harlequins +8
1pt 10-11 Boyles, Hills

Match preview

The big guns are back for Exeter and Harlequins this weekend for a clash between two sides who may be more evenly matched than the handicap line suggests.

Exeter have won their first two matches against Leicester and Worcester, and now receive reinforcements in the form of Luke Cowan-Dickie, Harry Williams and Henry Slade, who make the starting line-up, while Sam Simmonds and Scotland skipper Stuart Hogg are fit enough to start on the bench.

They are part of a strong Exeter squad determined to prove last season’s seventh-place finish was a mere blip. Prior to last season's underwhelming showing, the Chiefs had made the Premiership final six years in a row.

Although they are moving in the right direction, this is still not the ruthless Exeter of years gone by. The Chiefs have allowed their first two opponents to gain footholds in games, needing a last-gasp try to beat Leicester and being given a run for their money by crisis club Worcester in the second half.

Sandy Park is not the fortress it once was either and while Harlequins haven’t won in Devon since 2014, five teams did leave Exeter victorious last season.

Quins make the long trip boosted by the return of England fly-half Marcus Smith after he missed last weekend’s narrow loss to Saracens.

Scrum-half Danny Care is also in the squad and while marauding No.8 Alex Dombrandt is sidelined, the 2020-21 champions are not short on quality.

Coming into the weekend no Premiership team had scored more points than Harlequins, who put 40 on Newcastle in their first away game of the season and possess some excellent finishers in Cadan Murley and Joe Marchant.

Harlequins’ ability to make something out of nothing means they appeal with an eight-point start, and they’ve proven a profitable punt on the handicap of late, covering in six of their last nine league games. They also covered the mark in all four away league games last season they were underdogs for.

Not got a William Hill account? Sign up and bet £10 to get £30 in free bets

Open a new account using Promo code H30 only, Min £10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply. T&Cs apply 18+ begambleaware.org

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Sign up to emails from Racing Post Sport and get all the latest news and tips

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport