Gloucester vs Exeter Chiefs Prediction: Chiefs to boost play-off hopes

Exeter are among the teams chasing a play-off finish in the Premiership and they can keep themselves in the top-four reckoning with an away win at Gloucester on Sunday.

The Cherry and Whites have struggled in the league but have excelled in the cup competitions this season, and their much-changed side looks to have been selected with an eye on next Saturday's European Challenge Cup semi-final against Benetton.

Exeter come into this match having lost to Toulouse and Bath and, with Harlequins and Leicester in their final two Premiership games, need to rediscover some momentum.

Rob Baxter's side won November's reverse match 25-24 but Gloucester's youngsters triumphed 17-14 when the pair met in the semi-finals of the Premiership Rugby Cup in February.

Sunday looks like a must-win for the visitors and they should do so with a bit to spare.

Team News

George Skivington has made 11 changes to his XV from last Saturday's loss to Saracens as he continues to rotate ahead of next weekend's Challenge Cup semi-final.

That is not to say they do not have some big names returning to the side, with Jonny May and British & Irish Lions centre Chris Harris included, while Ruan Ackermann comes into the back row.

Exeter have made four alterations, with prop Marcus Street coming into the front row, while Jack Dunne starts alongside captain Dafydd Jenkins at lock.

Behind the scrum, Joe Hawkins returns to partner Henry Slade in the midfield and Dan John starts at full-back.

Match Odds

Gloucester are 11/8 - or a 42.1% chance -  to pick up a third home league win of the season, with Exeter 4/6 to secure what would also be only their third away victory.

The tie is available at 16/1, while Gloucester are 20/21 when given a three-point start on the three-way handicap.

Exeter -6 @ 6/5

It is no secret that Gloucester's remaining eggs are all in their Challenge Cup basket. Their league position, sat ninth in the table, is undoubtedly underwhelming but they have already claimed the Premiership Rugby Cup and could add another trophy next month.

Skivington has rotated since beating Ospreys in the quarter-finals and a fully-loaded side should be able to edge Benetton, especially with the game on home turf at Kingsholm.

The Cherry and Whites have won six of their last seven in all competitions in front of The Shed but their fans may not mind a blip on Sunday if it helps them heading into next week.

In contrast, Exeter are among the sides battling for a top-four finish and need to get going again after a pair of disappointing defeats.

They are still to win away from home in 2024 but Sunday is their chance and the handicap odds appear favourable.

It is 6/5 the Chiefs overcome a six-point deficit on the handicap and that looks worth backing against a Gloucester side that will front up but are clearly thinking about next week.

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