Gloucester v Exeter predictions and rugby union tips: Chiefs offer value

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

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 7.45pm Friday

Best bet

Exeter Chiefs +2
2pts 10-11 Coral, Ladbrokes

Match preview

Exeter are languishing in eighth in the Premiership table and yet all the stats suggest they should be higher in the standings, making them lively underdogs for Friday’s trip to Gloucester.

The Chiefs are five points worse off than the third-placed Cherry & Whites after a last-gasp loss to Saracens last week, their second defeat of the campaign, but Exeter have arguably not been getting the results their strong play has deserved.

Exeter rank in the top four for points, tries and metres gained this season, outgaining Gloucester by a total of 1,626 metres in the first five games of the season.

Turning that dominance into wins is the next step for Exeter and they rate as a value play on the handicap against a Gloucester side who have often found themselves in tight games this year with their biggest winning margin so far being six points.

Despite the absence of four England internationals, Exeter are still able to name a strong side featuring Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg and Australian prop Scott Sio.

The Chiefs bench looks relatively powerful too and the visitors should match up well against a Gloucester side who lack the strength in depth to cope with the absence of a few key players.

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