Bristol vs Gloucester Prediction: Bears to show their claws
Having earned a 24-3 win at Newcastle Falcons in their opening game of the Premiership season, Bristol Bears look well placed to make it two wins from two when they host West Country rivals Gloucester on Friday night (19:45 kick-off).
The Bears made light work of the Falcons at Kingston Park last Friday and now return to the home comforts of Ashton Gate for the arrival of the Cherry & Whites. Gloucester made a disappointing start to their Premiership campaign, losing 35-26 to Saracens at Kingholm last Saturday, and now face a tough trip to the home of the Bears.
Team News
Starting with the hosts, George Kloska will get his first start of the season at tighthead prop, in an otherwise unchanged squad selected by boss Pat Lam.
Kloska comes into the front-row at the expense of Max Lahiff who will be hoping to make an impact from off the bench.
As for the visitors, director of rugby George Skivington has decided to make several changes from the side that lost to Sarries in the opening round.
Tighthead Kirill Gotovtsev replaces Afolabi Fasogbon, who drops to the bench, while academy graduates Jack Clement and Harry Taylor come into the back-row to replace the experienced Ruan Ackermann and skipper Lewis Ludlow.
Tomos Williams is given the armband in Ludlow’s absence, while Max Llewellyn moves from centre to the wing to replace Ollie Thorley.
Seb Atkinson has been called into the centres to partner Scotland international Chris Harris.
Bristol are 1/4 to claim the win on home soil, while Gloucester are the 3/1 underdogs to land their first victory of the Premiership season.
A draw at Ashton Gate is currently available at 25/1.
Bristol -14 handicap @ 6/5
Clearly looking to change things up after the disappointment of the defeat to Sarries at Kingsholm, Skivington has made some big selection calls ahead of the trip to Bristol.
It will be a big night for academy graduates Clement and Taylor, with the concern being Gloucester could miss that experience Ackermann and Ludlow bring in the back-row.
Bristol have the more settled side going into this game and the Bears also have a strong record in this fixture, winning all of their previous three meetings with the Cherry & Whites.
The Bears with a -14 handicap would have landed in two of those last three games and is good value to come in again on Friday night.
Bristol first half handicap -6.5 @ Evs
Expect the Bears to come out of the blocks quickly in this West Country derby to try and put a much-changed Gloucester side on the back foot.
Bristol were leading at the break by over -6.5 points in two of their last three games against their rivals Gloucester and can take a lead of a coveted try or more into the sheds at the half-time whistle on Friday.
Rugby Union Betting Tips from Betfred Insights.
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