Bath vs Exeter Prediction: Visitors unlikely to be brushed aside

A place in the Gallagher Prem final is the prize on offer as the in-form Exeter Chiefs make the trip to face Bath at The Rec on Saturday (3pm BST, live on TNT Sports 2).

Read on for my Bath vs Exeter Chiefs predictions, featuring the essential team news and match odds for the showdown at The Rec.

Bath vs Exeter Chiefs Odds

Bath are firm favourites at 1/3 to make home advantage count and head for a third straight Gallagher Prem final. Exeter have never played an away play-off semi-final and are priced at 13/5 for the victory, with the draw available at 18/1.

Bath are 10/11 conceding a nine-point start, with the handicap tie priced at 22/1, while over 54.5 points is trading at 5/6.

Team News

The big news for Bath is Russell's calf problem means he's out of the matchday squad, a major loss.

Santiago Carreras continues to deputise at fly-half in an unchanged backline from the 24-22 win over Leicester Tigers. Hooker Tom Dunn returns to the starting line-up in one of just two changes for the defending champions, with Quinn Roux also coming into the second row as Kepu Tuipulotu and Ted Hill drop to the replacements.

After a 20-point win over Saracens, Rob Baxter makes just one change in the Chiefs starting side as Greg Fisilau returns at number eight after recovering from a facial injury and replaces Ethan Roots, who suffered a head knock and is on return to play protocols.

England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso remains absent, meaning Paul Brown-Bampoe and Campbell Ridl keep their spots out wide. Australia centre Len Ikitau will be hoping for one more Chiefs start before returning home to prepare for the World Cup with the Wallabies.

Exeter Chiefs +11 @ 8/11

Russell's absence for Bath is a big blow and Exeter are riding high right now. The Chiefs pulled away from Saracens in the second half last weekend with impressive ease and will draw on memories of last month's 35-12 at Sandy Park as they plot the downfall of the defending champions.

Johann van Graan has Bath superbly organised and they have the craft in their backline to get the win, with centurion Max Ojomoh and midfield partner Ollie Lawrence key cogs, but an 11-point start should prove ample for the Chiefs to stay in touch.

Anytime Tryscorer - Henry Slade @ 4/1

Chiefs boss Baxter was moved to suggest that Henry Slade is operating as 'one of the best centres in the world' following his display against Saracens.

The 33-year-old scored a try, kicked 12 points and put in a try-saving tackle in an exceptional effort.

With eight tries already, Slade is the Gallagher Prem's 10th-highest try-scorer this season and the highest points-scorer by some distance. If his side prosper he could touch down again.

Click the link for all the latest Rugby Union Odds