Leicester Tigers v London Irish predictions and rugby union tips

Free rugby union tips, best bets and analysis for Leicester Tigers v London Irish in the Premiership.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 7.45pm Friday

Best bet

Leicester to win by 1-12 points
1pt 13-8 Paddy Power

Match preview

After finishing 11th and tenth last season, both Leicester Tigers & London Irish have plenty of reasons to be optimistic heading into the second half of the Premiership campaign.

The Tigers won only six games in the whole of last season but already have four (plus one for a Covid cancellation) to their name this time.

They were comfortable winners in their previous two home games against Worcester and Wasps, and while they were well beaten at Bristol last weekend, it should be noted that Borthwick made 11 changes for the trip to Ashton Gate and appears to be targeting this game.

After a slow start to the season, London Irish appear to have found their feet. Their only defeat in the last five rounds was away at champions Exeter and they claimed an eye catching 16-10 victory at Wasps last weekend with a resolute defensive display.

Irish were victorious 22-9 when the sides met in November but their record at Welford Road does not inspire confidence. A 22-19 win in September 2014 is Irish's only triumph on Leicester soil in their last 14 visits and you have to go back to the 2002-03 season for the last time they completed a Premiership double over the Tigers.

The home side meanwhile are chasing a third straight home victory and look hard to oppose, but if the Exiles can reproduce the defensive strength they showed at Wasps it may not be a runaway success.

The other fixture in the Premiership on Friday evening sees Sale start as nine point favourites for their home tie with Newcastle.

The Sharks are looking to build on an impressive victory over Exeter in the last round against a Newcastle side, who have lost their last two matches away from home.

Key stat

Leicester are chasing a third successive Premiership home win, a feat they have not achieved since March 2018.

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