Newcastle Falcons vs Bath Prediction: Returning Bath stars can floor Falcons

It'll be a scrap on the artificial turf at Kingston Park, with Bath likely to head into Christmas on a high by beating Newcastle on Saturday evening.

Read on for my Newcastle Falcons vs Bath prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

The improving Falcons are embracing their status as the Premiership's misfits, with Steve Diamond assembling a squad of players turned away by other clubs and sometimes even the game itself, but a trip to the leaders is no easy task.

After failing to record a victory last season, their hard work and determination were rewarded by beating Exeter and Saracens in their last two at home in the league.

Newcastle were underwhelming in Challenge Cup defeats to Section Paloise and the Dragons, while Bath will be looking to improve after Champions Cup defeats to La Rochelle and Benetton.

There are significantly more resources available to Diamond's opposite number, Johann van Graan, whose side sit top of the Premiership table.

The South African arguably went too far with his rotation for the loss to Benetton and he has picked a side that should be able to weather the storm, provided by both the Falcons and the forecast wind, to come away with a decent victory.

Team News

Newcastle are boosted by hooker Jamie Blamire's return, while fly-half Brett Connon and centre Cameron Hutchinson also come back in.

Van Graan isn't taking any chances, with Ben Spencer partnering Finn Russell in the half-backs inside Cameron Redpath and Ollie Lawrence in the centres.

Up front, it will be a big evening for flanker Guy Pepper, who makes his first return to Kingston Park since leaving for the Rec in the summer.

Gallagher Premiership Odds

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Match Odds

Newcastle are 13/2 to record a third home Premiership win on the spin, with Bath just 1/11 to add to their perfect three away league victories this season.

The draw is 25/1, while there is a Price Boost of 7/4 on Bath -21.

Bath -16 @ 6/5

Bath have responded to losing last season's Premiership Grand Final by winning six of their seven matches. They are tied with local rivals Bristol, who are the only team to beat them, on 29 points but are ahead on matches won.

They should collect win number eight on Tyneside and have the quality and know-how to come through a real festive test at Kingston Park.

Playing at home under the lights has historically galvanised Newcastle and their recent results have regenerated some of the stadium's former aura.

Diamond will look to use the weather as a leveller but there is a real gulf in class between the sides, with Pepper leaving the Falcons to join Bath to further his career and England ambitions.

His back-row combination with Josh Bayliss and Alfie Barbeary can ensure the visitors get enough ball for Spencer and Russell to run the game.

Newcastle will try to make life tough but Bath are simply a cut above.

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