Premiership predictions and rugby union tips: Newcastle can keep it close

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Saturday's Premiership games.

Exeter v Wasps

Where to watch

BT Sport 3, 12.30pm Saturday

Best bet

Exeter -9
2pts 10-11 general

Match preview

Exeter lost their grip on the European Champions Cup after last weekend's quarter-final defeat to Leinster, and visitors Wasps could face a backlash on Saturday.

With only the Premiership title to focus on and a seven-match run-in, the second-placed Chiefs will be fully focused on widening the three-point gap between them and the chasing pack to secure a home semi-final.

The hurt felt at last week's defeat to Leinster will be especially strong after they played so well to open up a 14-0 lead before being overhauled by a relentless Leinster outfit.

Today's opponents Wasps have little to play for and may struggle to match Exeter's sharpness after a two-week break following their European defeat to Clermont.

Newcastle v Bristol

Where to watch

Channel 5 & BT Sport 1, 5pm

Best bet

Newcastle +10
2pts 10-11 Hills

Match preview

Premiership leaders Bristol are also out of Europe and with a 12-point lead in the table this looks an opportunity to hit reset and ensure they are at their peak in the final weeks of the season.

The Bears make nine changes to the side that lost to Bordeaux in the Champions Cup two weeks ago - there's no Charles Piutau or Semi Radrada in the backline while Dave Attwood, Kyle Sinckler and Nathan Hughes are among those missing in the pack.

It's still a strong line-up and Bristol have lost just two of 15 matches this term, whereas Newcastle have lost their last four.

But former England fly-half Toby Flood is back from injury for the Falcons and they can make the best of a double-figure handicap start. Bristol's last four away Premiership games have brought three victories by a single-figure margin and a draw.

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