Bath v Harlequins predictions and rugby union tips: Champs to be kept in check

Free rugby union tips, best bets and analysis for Bath v Harlequins in the Gallagher Premiership on Friday.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 7.45pm Friday

Best bet

Bath +15
1pt Evs bet365

Match preview

Harlequins have specialised in last-gasp wins since the turn of the year and could deliver another narrow victory at basement boys Bath.

Quins have won seven on the bounce in all competitions but the latest three of those victories have all been decided in the final two minutes of the game.

Wide-margin victories have become a rarity for Quins despite their attacking quality and seven of the last nine have come by a margin of no more than ten points.

Some questionable defensive work has allowed Harlequins’ opponents to hang around in matches and Bath’s backline has the quality to take advantage, despite the absence of a recognised fly-half - centre Max Ojomoh has been asked to play the role at the Rec.

Bath will be licking their wounds after a ten-try thrashing by Leinster in the Champions Cup - their 15th defeat in 16 games this season - but have produced some spirited performances of late and got the better of Worcester last time out in the Premiership.

A struggling Bath pack has received a boost with England number eight Nathan Hughes joining on loan from Bristol this week and he’ll make his debut against a Quins side missing several big names.

Marcus Smith and Alex Dombrandt are on England duty, while the Premiership champions have been forced into a host of changes to their pack, offering Bath hope that they can compete up front.

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