Scarlets vs Bristol Prediction: Bears backed for comfortable win

Wales' nightmare November has placed further scrutiny on rugby union's current plight within the country, and their only Champions Cup representatives, Scarlets, begin their campaign at home to Bristol on Saturday (20:00 GMT, Premier Sports 2).

Below are my Scarlets vs Bristol predictions, alongside team news and match odds.

This is the Llanelli outfit's first crack at this competition since 2021/22, in the meantime producing mixed returns in the Challenge Cup, including losing 36-14 to Ospreys in last season's round of 16.

Bristol finished bottom of their Champions Cup pool last season, but despite again having to battle injuries, have won four out of their first six Prem games, most recently beating Northampton 46-12.

Scarlets won for the first time in this season's URC when defeating Glasgow 23-0 last Saturday, but face a real test against a Bears side who are brilliant on attack and can recall a couple of previous Lions tourists.

Scarlets vs Bristol Odds

Bristol are 2/7 to win on Saturday, with Scarlets 11/4 and the draw 22/1.

The handicap mark is set at eight points, with Bristol -8 available at 20/21.

Team News

Scarlets have made three changes from the win over Glasgow, with Wales trio Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams and Ellis Mee coming into the back-line.

Rogers' inclusion is particularly noticeable, as he has recovered from a hamstring injury to make his first appearance since scoring a hat-trick in his country's defeat to New Zealand a fortnight ago.

On Thursday, Bristol announced that centre James Williams had signed a new deal and continues in the number 12 shirt, while another Welshman, Louis Rees-Zammit, comes in on the right wing.

The only other change is at loosehead prop, where Ellis Genge starts in the front row alongside hooker Gabriel Oghre, who makes his 50th Bears appearance.

Bristol -12 @ 6/5

Scarlets will have been relieved more than delighted to finally win last weekend, but they appear to have their work cut out in Pool 4, with holders Bordeaux their next opponents after Saturday's game, before they host Pau and visit Northampton in January.

Bristol host Pau next weekend before a tough double-header in rounds three and four, featuring a trip to Pretoria to face the Bulls and then hosting the aforementioned reigning champions.

Injuries to key backs such as Harry Randall, AJ MacGinty and Gabriel Ibitoye, as well as veteran back-rower Steven Luatua, mean Lam is having to become increasingly creative with his selections, but the Bears' focus on quality over quantity in their squad-building means those available can be brilliant.

That was the case against Saints, with academy product Sam Worsley dominating the game in MacGinty's continued absence.

Worsley, who kicked seven out of eight attempts for his 16 points, won his duel with Fin Smith, but he will face another stern test against forgotten Wales No.10 Sam Costelow.

Costelow has talent outside him, but Bristol blew previously unbeaten Saints away last weekend and are good enough to win by a dozen points.

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