Bath vs Harlequins Prediction: Pending semi may see hosts ease up

Bath have reacted well to their Prem Cup semi-final defeat to Leicester Tigers by winning four straight matches, including a thrilling victory over Northampton in the Champions Cup last time out.

That win has earned a semi-final against holders Bordeaux, but they still have domestic business to attend to on Saturday when Harlequins head to the Rec in their latest Prem fixture.

Rugby Union Odds

Bath vs Harlequins Odds

Bath are 1/12 to come out on top of the game with Quins 7/1 and the draw available at 22/1.

The visitors are 1-1 with a 23-point start while Bath are 10/11 to go in at half-time with a lead greater than 11.5 points.

Team News

Bath have named a typically star-studded team, with Santi Carreras named at full-back and Max Ojomoh returning in the centre to partner Ollie Lawrence.

Bath: Carreras; Cokanasiga, Lawrence, Ojomoh, Arundell; Russell, Spencer; Kirk, Dunn, Sela; Richards, Ewels; Hill, Pepper, Barbeary.

Harlequins have made seven changes from the team that lost to Sale a fortnight ago, with Chandler Cunningham-South selected in the second row.

Lucas Friday is at scrum-half alonside fly-half Jarrod Evans, meaning Marcus Smith wears the 15 jersey.

Harlequins: Smith; David, Northmore, Bradley, Murley; J Evans, Friday; Hobson, Turner, Jones; Cunningham-South, Treadwell; Petti Pagadizabal, Kenningham, Dombrandt

Harlequins +23 @ 1/1

Bath have lost just two of their 12 Prem matches this season and will have gained plenty of confidence from last week's Champions Cup win over Northampton, as the Saints are the only team with a better record than them in the domestic league.

Pushing them all the way will be a significant aim for the remainder of the season, but while they will not want to slip up against Harlequins, there is little encouragement for them to run riot.

There is the small matter of a Champions Cup semi-final to come against holders Bordeaux in a fortnight, so while they have named a strong team, they have held a few big names back, with the management team thinking about that contest too.

Consequently, it could be a big ask to cover a 23-point handicap and preference is for the visitors to stay in touch.

Henry Arundell first tryscorer @ 13/2

Bath undoubtedly possess a great attacking threat and it could be their left wing Henry Arundell who sets them on their way with the opening try.

He scored three tries for England against Wales and while his Six Nations also featured disappointment in a red card against Scotland, he has come back from international duty in excellent form.

Since then he has gone over twice in meetings with Saracens in the Prem and the Champions Cup and then again in the win against Northampton, so he looks to be at the top of his game.

With eight league tries this season, he poses a great threat and it is worth taking the chance he scores first as Bath may look to establish a quick lead and then ease home.

Rugby Union betting tips with Betfred Insights.