Leicester Tigers vs Newcastle Falcons Prediction: Tigers to get the job done in style

Requiring just one point to guarantee their place in the Gallagher Premiership play-offs, Leicester Tigers will be looking to show their claws when they host rock-bottom Newcastle Falcons on Saturday (15:05, TNT Sports Extra) at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

Below are my Leicester Tigers vs Newcastle Falcons predictions, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for this clash in the East Midlands.

Team News

Leicester head coach Michael Cheika looks set to give another opportunity to many of the side that suffered a 43-15 defeat at Bath last time out, a chance to redeem themselves this weekend.

While still looking to manage some players who have niggles ahead of the likely play-off push ahead, don’t expect too many changes from Cheika for this one.

Rugby Union Odds

As for Newcastle, centres Max Clark and Connor Doherty have been struggling with hamstring injuries and both are set to miss the trip to the East Midlands this weekend.

Clark and Doherty join an injury list which also includes hooker Ollie Fletcher and prop Richard Palframan who are dealing collarbone and hamstring issues respectively.

Leicester Tigers vs Newcastle Falcons Odds

Such heavy favourites as the Leicester Tigers are, there are no odds for a straight win for the hosts on Saturday.

The Falcons are 22/1 underdogs to stun the crowd at Welford Road and head back north with a victory, implying a 4.3% chance of success, while a draw in this one is available at 25/1.

Leicester Tigers -38 handicap @ 11/10

Losing all of their last seven games in all competitions, it’s been a sorry end to the regular season for the Falcons.

Their away form has been particularly bad, with them losing 55-19 at Bath last month, before a 75-28 drubbing at the hands of Saracens on May 10th.

Leicester, on the other hand, have been hitting form at the right time and, barring that defeat to Bath, they have impressed in big games against potential play-off rivals.

Beating Bristol Bears, Harlequins and Sale Sharks in three games on the spin before that loss at the Recreation Ground, Cheika’s side are looking like serious title contenders this season.

Winning six of their last seven home games in all competitions, Leicester have been finding their rhythm at Welford Road in recent months, and they should prove far too strong for this Newcastle side, even if Cheika does make changes.

Given Newcastle have conceded 130 points in their last two away games in the Gallagher Premiership, it’s little wonder why the Tigers are such heavy favourites for the victory on Saturday.

The Falcons’ heads could go down with a poor start in this one, and Leicester to overcome a substantial -38 handicap looks achievable in this one.

Find more Rugby Union Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights