Gloucester v Bristol predictions and rugby union tips: Hosts to edge tight scrap

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

Where to watch

BT Sport 2, 3pm Saturday

Best bet

Gloucester to win by one to 12 points
1pt 19-10 Betfred

Match preview

Gloucester have endured a frustrating start to the season but a home clash with Bristol offers the opportunity to get into gear for a challenging run of fixtures ahead.

Due to an early bye week and a cancelled fixture with troubled Worcester, Gloucester have played just three matches in five rounds, winning twice as favourites but failing to cover the handicap either side of losing out to Saracens in a ten-try thriller.

Bristol have had no interruptions but after winning their first three games they have slipped to back-to-back defeats and last week's 50-14 home hammering to Exeter set alarm bells ringing.

That heavy defeat was made worse by an injury to scrum-half Harry Randall - Tom Whiteley replaces the England man at number nine in his first start since February.

Bristol were guilty of too many handling errors against Exeter and while they're unlikely to be as careless this time, they are up against a Gloucester attack strengthened by the return of England winger Jonny May.

Gloucester are asked to concede up to ten points on the handicap but that seems a lot given their two victories this term have been by six and four points, and a home win by up to 12 points looks a better bet.

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