Harlequins vs Bristol Prediction: Bears can spoil Marler’s farewell party

In a game that will see former England prop Joe Marler call time on his career as a professional rugby player, Harlequins will be hoping to send the charismatic front-rower off on a high when they host Bristol Bears on Friday night (19:45, TNT Sports 2).

Below is my Harlequins vs Bristol prediction, alongside team news and match odds.

Gallagher Premiership Odds

Shortly after confirming his retirement from international rugby with England, this week saw Marler reveal that Friday’s game at the Twickenham Stoop will be his last before hanging up his boots for good.

A tough game is in store against a Bears side that have looked dangerous this season, winning four of their first six games of the campaign, and perhaps Bristol can burst Marler’s bubble and deny him a winning end to an impressive career.

Team News

Marler has been named in the starting lineup for his farewell game, where he will make his 286th appearance in a Harlequins jersey.

With England’s Autumn Nations Series ending last week with a dominant win over Japan, Red Rose fly-half Marcus Smith has been given time off to recover before diving back into the rigours of Premiership rugby.

Jarrod Evans will start instead of Smith, with Will Porter getting the nod at scrum-half ahead of Danny Care who must settle for a spot on the bench.

Returning number eight Alex Dombrandt will skipper the side in a back-row that also includes Jack Kenningham and Will Evans.

As for Bristol, it’s a big night for Viliame Mata as the Fijian international has overcome a hamstring injury to make his debut at number eight.

Santiago Grondona returns from international duty with Argentina to join Mata and captain Fitz Harding in a formidable back-row.

AJ MacGinty and Kieran Marmion start in the half-backs, with threats out wide in the form of Kalaveti Ravouvou, Gabriel Ibitoye and Rich Lane.

Match Odds - Harlequins vs Bristol

Harlequins are the 1/3 favourites to make home advantage count and win on Friday night, while Bristol are 11/5 to head back across to the West Country with the victory.

A draw on the night is available at 18/1, while the Bears with a +6 handicap are currently 11/10.

Bristol Bears to win @ 11/5

Having beaten reigning champions Northampton Saints in their last Premiership game before the Autumn Nations Series, Bristol will head into this game full of confidence.

The last time Bristol and Quins went toe-to-toe was back in May, with the Bears romping to a 53-28 victory at the Twickenham Stoop.

The absence of Smith at fly-half will be felt by the hosts and, with Bristol winning three of their last four meetings with Harlequins, the Bears are great value at 11/5 to land back-to-back wins at The Stoop this week.

Rugby Union Betting Tips from Betfred Insights.