Leicester Tigers vs Bristol Prediction: Bears can continue brilliant away run

Bristol had arguably the toughest start in the entire Champions Cup but can rebuild confidence when they head to Leicester in the Premiership on Saturday.

Read on for my Leicester Tigers vs Bristol prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Games against Leinster and La Rochelle made life incredibly tough for Pat Lam's men, while the Tigers were outplayed in their opener against Bordeaux but bounced back by putting 56 points on an underpowered Sharks side.

That was their third home win in four in all competitions but that record pales into insignificance when compared to the Bears' run on the road, which has helped them to match league leaders Bath on 29 points.

Bristol have won their last nine Premiership away matches to tie Saracens' record set in 2011.

And, with fly-half AJ MacGinty back from injury, they are worth getting behind to at least go close in their trip to Welford Road.

Team News

Tighthead prop Joe Hayes will make his 150th appearance for Leicester, while scrum-half Ben Youngs makes his first start of the season.

Lock Cameron Henderson is also included in the run-on side for the first time in over a year, while Will Wand makes his full Premiership debut in the centres.

Bristol have received a significant boost with the news that fly-half MacGinty returns from injury, while Rich Lane comes in at full-back.

Lock Jamie Hodgson is set for his league debut off the bench, while prop George Kloska is back following fitness issues.

Gallagher Premiership Odds

*Please click on the link above to be taken to the main Gallagher Premiership page on betfred.com (or app) for all the live betting prices on this match

Match Odds

Leicester are 1/3 to win, with the draw 20/1 and Bristol 12/5.

The Tigers -8 at 1/1 is the three-way handicap mark.

Bristol +5 @ 11/10

Leicester will be buoyed by their 56-17 win over Sharks and look to be gelling under Michael Cheika.

Youngs' presence will also add further control alongside in-form half-back partner Handre Pollard, before Jack van Poortvliet and Jamie Shillcock add some snap off the bench.

Youngs and Pollard's battle with Harry Randall and MacGinty could define the match and their contrasting styles could provide fireworks.

The Tigers have the edge up front but lack Bristol's scoring power. The Bears have scored more points than any other Premiership side but also conceded just three fewer than bottom club Exeter.

MacGinty came off early against Leinster and missed out in La Rochelle, but his ability to release his backs is key to Bristol's free-flowing attacking play, while his goal-kicking can also keep them in touch.

So much so that despite both teams winning five of their seven matches, Bristol are five points ahead and level at the top with Bath on 29 thanks to picking up nine bonus points.

A record 10th away victory may prove beyond them, but Lam's side seems to have rediscovered some of the steel they lost after squandering a 28-0 lead in the 2021 semi-finals.

The improving Tigers' superior pack can set their side a platform, but Bristol's ability to score tries from anywhere makes this a compelling contest.

While the hosts can win, the Bears can grab a bonus point.

Click the link for all the latest Rugby Union Odds

Find more Rugby Union Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights