Bristol Bears vs Leicester Tigers predictions for Friday night Rugby Gallagher Premiership Kick-off. This is a heated historical confrontation with both sides that will be keen to start the news season with the best possible result. Read on for our free Rugby Gallagher Premiership predictions and betting tips.
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Match Live Friday, 13th October at 7:45 pm In:
Bristol Bears vs Leicester Tigers Predictions
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The Premiership Opener We’ve All Been Waiting For
Key Stats
– Bristol Bears recently thrashed Cambridge 98-14 in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
– Montoya has scored in almost all of the recent matches against the Bears, making him a top tryscorer contender for the Tigers.
Leicester Tigers and Bristol Bears have engaged in quite a few remarkable encounters in recent years. Taking a journey down memory lane, the Tigers showed their prowess by emerging victorious in a heated 46-24 battle against the Bears on March 25, 2023. Before this, the teams had played out a dramatic draw, 26-26, on December 3, 2022. The Leicester side seemed to have the upper hand as they also won 56-26 on April 30, 2022. However, the Bears snatched a narrow 26-28 win on December 26, 2021. Clearly, the scales seem to tip in the Tigers’ favour, but the Bears have shown they can roar back.
Recent Form & Squad Updates
Bristol Bears have exhibited a mixed form, experiencing two losses against the Sale Sharks (36-20) and Exeter Chiefs (22-21). They did, however, put on an impressive display against Gloucester, winning 36-21. Their form in the Premiership Rugby Cup seems promising with a powerful victory against Cambridge, 98-14.
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Bristol’s team updates provide a mixed bag of news. Steven Luatua, recently back from the World Cup, is likely to make an appearance, while the new signing, Virimi Vakatawa, who joined after a year’s hiatus due to medical concerns, seems to be settling in well with the team. However, players like Siva Naulago are still sidelined due to injuries.
On the other side, Leicester Tigers’ performance has been a bit rocky, with losses against the Harlequins (17-20) and Sale Sharks (21-13). They’ve shown strong form in the Premiership Rugby Cup, notably beating Newcastle with a significant 60-7 margin.
Key Players & Tactical Insights
For the Bears, eyes will be on Semi Radradra Turagasoli Waqav, Charles Piutau, and Kyle Sinckler, who have showcased consistent performances. Leicester, however, will be looking at their key player, Anthony Watson. Despite missing the World Cup, Watson’s contribution is undeniable. The winger, who scored six tries in 16 appearances last season for the Tigers, has a significant influence on the game.
Predictions for the Clash
1. Match Outcome Prediction
Given the data, a winner with a handicap market prediction seems appropriate. Leicester Tigers have shown a slight edge in their recent encounters. But with Bristol’s solid home performance, a close game is anticipated. Predicting Leicester to win with -1 handicap seems a justified call, especially since they have managed to edge past Bristol in high-scoring games previously.
2. Top Tryscorer Prediction
Montoya stands out for the Leicester Tigers, having scored multiple times in their previous matches against the Bears. On the Bristol side, Radradra has been consistent, finding the net twice in their past matches. However, given Montoya’s recent performance, he seems the likelier choice to score during the game.
Conclusion
The Gallagher Premiership season opener promises a fiery contest between two teams who have shared a compelling narrative. While Leicester Tigers seem to have a slight edge based on historical data, the Bristol Bears, with their recent form and home advantage, are not to be underestimated.
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