Harlequins vs Bath Prediction: Tough start for Gilmore against reigning champs

Bath will begin the defence of their Gallagher Premiership crown when they head to the Twickenham Stoop to face Harlequins on Friday night (19:45 BST, TNT Sports 1).

Below are my Harlequins vs Bath predictions, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the clash in the capital.

Team news

New Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore will want to put his own stamp on this side following the departure of his predecessor, Danny Wilson, earlier this month.

Having featured for the British & Irish Lions over the summer in their series-winning tour of Australia, Quins fly-half Marcus Smith is likely to be rested for the start of the long Prem campaign ahead.

Bath confirmed the signing of Santiago Carreras eight months ago, but fans will have to wait a little longer to see the utility back in action as he’s away on international duty with Argentina in the 2025 Rugby Championship.

Carreras is one of four Bath stars set to miss the start of the new campaign, with Thomas Du Toit away with South Africa and Finn Russell and Will Stuart being rested after their efforts with the Lions Down Under.

Sale vs Gloucester Odds

Harlequins are 17/10 underdogs to make a winning start under Gilmore in front of their own fans at The Stoop on Friday night.

Bath are the 1/2 favourites to head back to the West Country with the win, while a draw on the night in the capital is currently available at 18/1.

Bath -8 handicap @ 1/1

While Bath are without the likes of Russell and Stuart at fly-half and tight-head respectively, this is a settled side under boss Johann van Graan, who knows how to win big games.

Van Grann will have been working on a game plan without Russell, knowing the Scotland star would require some time off after his Man of the Series campaign for the Lions against the Wallabies.

Max Ojomoh started for a strong Bath side who beat Worcester Warriors 33-19 in a pre-season friendly at Sixways Stadium last Friday, and he could be handed the No.10 jersey this week.

Skipper Ben Spencer was the star of the show in that game, with the experienced scrum-half bagging himself a brace of tries in the match.

Spencer has been a consistent high-level performer and was key to Bath’s title-winning success last season.

The England scrum-half can carry much of the burden if Ojomoh or another player starts outside him at fly-half.

Bath have won all of their last three games against Harlequins in all competitions, including a 47-28 in their last meeting at The Recreation Ground in March.

Also winning 26-24 on their last visit to The Stoop, Bath are backed to win and cover the handicap on Friday’s intriguing contest

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