Friday's Premiership & Pro14 rugby union tips & predictions

Free rugby union tips, best bets and analysis for Friday's Premiership & Pro14 matches.

Leinster v Ulster

Where to watch

Premier 1, 7.35pm Friday

Best bet

Leinster to win by 11 to 20 points
1pt 3-1 Ladbrokes

Match preview

The festive derbies in the Pro14 kick off with a mouthwatering all-Irish tie in Dublin.

Unlike the majority of their Pro14 games this season, Leinster have named some of their internationals to play. Sean Cronin is the most notable of them as he returns from a neck injury.

Ulster meanwhile have rested a number of first choice players including influential scrum-half John Cooney following their superb victory over Harlequins in the Champions Cup.

This looks an uphill battle for Ulster and Leinster are expected to pick up a 12th straight victory in all competitions.

Gloucester v Worcester

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 7.45pm Friday

Best bet

Worcester +11
1pt 10-11 Ladbrokes, SkyBet

The Premiership weekend kicks off with the M5 derby between Gloucester and Worcester at Kingsholm. The Warriors have been a surprise package this season and they go into this block of four games in fourth place.

Gloucester's inconsistent start to the season was summed up by their European double-header against Connacht which saw a comfortable home win followed by a late away defeat.

It has been a decade since Worcester last won at Gloucester but they can go close here.

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