Exeter Chiefs vs Bristol Prediction: Chiefs can finally get off the mark

It’s been a torrid start to the Premiership season for Rob Baxter’s Exeter but a first win of the season might just be around the corner for the Chiefs as they prepare to host Bristol Bears on Saturday (15:00 kick-off).

Read on for my Exeter Chiefs vs Bristol prediction, as well as the team news and match odds.

Rugby Union Odds

It has certainly been a tough start to the season for the Chiefs, which was not helped by a challenging run of fixtures in the opening three rounds.

Suffering a narrow 17-14 defeat at home to Leicester Tigers in their opening game, Exeter pushed reigning Premiership champions Northampton Saints all the way in a 30-24 loss at Franklin’s Gardens.

Losing 29-14 at a Saracens side that have made a perfect start to the season, Exeter next face a Bristol side that have been in free-scoring form with two wins in their opening three games.

However, the Bears have a poor record when it comes to taking on the Chiefs and Exeter might well be able to kick-start their season with a first win after a couple near misses in the opening weeks.

Team News

Starting with the hosts, Exeter have been boosted by the news Scott Sio returns to the front row to join skipper Jack Yeandle and Marcus Street.

Argentinian international Franco Molina will make his Chiefs debut in the second row, while Jacques Vermeulen comes into the back-row after a brief spell out through injury.

Harvey Skinner is back at fly-half, while Exeter boast a dangerous back-three of Paul Brown-Bampoe, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Josh Hodge.

As for the Bears, they include no less than 10 academy players in their matchday squad for the trip to Devon.

The loss of Max Malins and James Williams to a knee and pectoral injury respectively is a blow for the travelling Bears.

Kieran Marmion replaces Harry Randell at scrum-half, while Bristol have gone with a strong bench that includes England prop Ellis Genge.

Exeter Chiefs vs Bristol Odds

Exeter are 4/9 to win, while Bristol are 9/5 to cause an upset at Sandy Park on Saturday.

A draw in Devon is available at 22/1, while 71 or more points in what could be a high-scoring game is currently 18/5.

Exeter Chiefs win by 1-12 points inclusive @ 15/8

Exeter have enjoyed this fixture in recent years, winning all of their last six games in all competitions against the Bears.

The Chiefs have won all of their last three home Premiership games against Bristol and an Exeter win by 1-12 points inclusive would have landed in all three of those games.

At 15/8, there’s value to be had with the trend continuing this weekend.

Double Result - Exeter Chiefs - Exeter Chiefs @ 5/6

Looking back at the recent games between these South West rivals, Exeter have made a habit of starting well in this fixture.

Leading at half-time and winning at full-time would have landed in five of the last six meetings between these sides and is available at 10/11 to come in again on Saturday.

Rugby Union Betting Tips from Betfred Insights.