Gloucester v Bristol predictions and rugby union tips: Hosts can boss Bears

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

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 7.45pm Friday

Best bet

Gloucester to win by one to 12 points
1pt 15-8 Betfair

Match preview

This West Country derby has traditionally belonged to Bristol, who have won the last five meetings, but things look desperately close this time and Kingsholm could be left shaking as two big, physical sides face off.

Bristol are struggling to find the form of last season, when they finished top of the regular-season standings. But Gloucester are on the up, thanks in large part to their pack, which has become a powerful attacking weapon this season.

The Bears' pack is strengthened by the return of former Gloucester prop John Afoa this week, although England's Kyle Sinckler is still sidelined.

Skipper Steve Luatua also returns to the Bristol side along with scrum-half Harry Randall, but the big news is that magical Fijian centre Semi Radrada is fit enough to make the bench.

However, Bristol have a long fight ahead of them with only three wins to their name this season - two of them against the only two sides below them in the table - and Gloucester are looking more and more confident.

The Cherry & Whites have suffered just one defeat in their last six Premiership matches - by three points at home to Exeter - and have internationals Chris Harris and Louis Rees-Zammit returning to their backline.

How much of a part they will play remains to be seen as damp conditions are forecast and both teams are happy to keep things tight and play through their forwards.

Since a 34-20 defeat at Northampton in round one, all of Gloucester's games have been settled by a single-figure margin, other than their draw with London Irish. And things could be close again, especially if conditions keep the score down.

But the hosts now have a forward edge that can stand up to Bristol's pack and Gloucester are worth backing to edge a welcome victory over their rivals.

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