Premiership & Pro14: rugby tips for Friday's TV matches in England and Ireland

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Friday's Premiership & Pro14 games.

Bath v Saracens

Where to watch

BT Sport 2, 7.45pm

Best bet

Saracens to win by one to 12 points
1pt 15-8 Betway

Match preview

Head coach Mark McCall pledged that Saracens were going to prioritise preserving their Premiership status above retaining their European crown, and true to his word he has restored all his England World Cup stars to the line-up to face Bath.

Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and Billy Vunipola all make their first starts and if last week's effort against an admittedly depleted Ospreys side is anything to go by, Sarries have the bit between their teeth.

The reigning champions romped to a 44-3 home victory and with a 26-point gulf between them and second-bottom Leicester to make up, they know they have to take every opportunity and McCall will not allow a loss of focus.

Bath have been impressive at home, seeing off strong sides in Exeter and Northampton but face a huge challenge against a powerful Saracens pack.

Itoje has been named in the back row, with George Kruis and Will Skelton making up a powerhouse second row, and there is strong scrummaging back-up on the bench.

Expect a big set-piece display from the visitors, who can set up the platform to build a win.

Bath shipped only ten points in victory over Exeter and 13 to the Saints, so Sarries may not run away with it but they look worthy favourites.

Munster v Edinburgh

Where to watch

Premier Sport 2, 7.35pm

Best bet

Viliame Mata to score a try
1pt 4-1 Betfair, Sky Bet

Match preview

Edinburgh were overrun 44-14 the last time they visited Munster but bookmakers anticipate a far closer battle when they meet in Cork on Friday evening.

With a European double-header against Saracens looming Munster have made 14 changes from the team that drew with Racing last weekend. Academy fly-half Ben Healy makes his first start.

Internationals Stuart McInally and Hamish Watson return for an Edinburgh side who look strong up front, and hard-running number eight Viliame Mata could be worth backing to get on the scoresheet. The Fijian has nine tries to his name.

Ulster v Scarlets

Where to watch

Premier Sport 1, 7.35pm

Best bet

Ulster to win by 11 to 20 points
1pt 11-4 Betfair, Paddy Power

Match preview

Ulster are 15-point favourites against Scarlets as they look to extend their impressive Kingspan run which culminated in a Champions Cup victory over Clermont last week.

The Ulster men have already seen off Ospreys, Cardiff and Zebre in the Pro14 and take on a Scarlets side missing their international contingent, who will be taking on the Barbarians on Saturday.

There are eight changes to the side that just missed out at Toulon last week but Ulster have yet to cut loose at home and a win by 11 to 20 points looks the best bet.

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

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport