Wasps v Bristol predictions and rugby union tips: Bears worth opposing

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

Where to watch

BT Sport 2, 3pm

Best bet

Wasps +4
1pt 10-11 general

Match preview

Bristol topped the Premiership table last season but fell at the first in round one last week when Saracens returned triumphantly to the top flight.

That 26-9 defeat will have been a chastening loss for the Bears, and they may struggle to bounce straight back when they visit to Wasps.

In Bristol's favour is that they have that match under their belts while Wasps are coming in cold after a bye in round one. But the home side have a strong team out and made a solid start last year, beating Bristol and Exeter either side of a defeat to Newcastle in their first three home games.

Bristol struggled to get going against Sarries, kicking a lot of ball and failing to get their dangermen in possession. They should get more of a chance against Wasps, who are unlikely to put up the same kind of suffocating defence. But Bristol also seemed to be showing the effects of a lack of a meaningful pre-season and may need still more time to get into their stride.

Props Kyle Sinckler and John Afoah are missing for the Bears while Fijian flyer Semi Radrada is also absent.

Wasps finished a disappointing eighth last season and won only four of their home games. But only one of their seven defeats was by more than ten points, while they were pipped by just one point in clashes with Gloucester and Sale.

Their tally of 539 points and 66 tries was the highest of any team outside the playoff places, and they can at least keep it close in their opener.

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