Bristol Bears vs Saracens – Ashton Gate, 15:05 KO
Bristol Bears Reporter Ben Thorne predicted: “After a miraculous comeback in Exeter in addition to a brilliant victory over Bath, you have to assume that Bristol will come into the fixture full of confidence. Additionally, Gabriel Ibitoye will want to prove Steve Borthwick wrong for not including him in his England squad, despite the wingers fantastic form in the early stages of this season.
“However, after a loss against rivals Quins last week, Saracens will be desperate to get back to winning ways and with Bristols home form seemingly shaky so far this season, I think the away side will edge it. I predict that Saracens will win 35-31.”
Chief Rugby Writer Tom Sansom added: “Saracens were proven to be mortal last weekend, as the North Londoners suffered their first defeat of the Premiership season. Mark McCall’s side were humbled by a resolved Harlequins defensive effort, for a gritty 17-10 win for the Quins. Sarries will be fired up to get back to winning ways, and give their international stars an appropriate send off ahead of the Autumn Series. I expect a Saracens win, after Bristol burn themselves out at the hour. Bristol 24 – 36 Saracens.
Harlequins vs Bath Rugby – Twickenham Stoop, 17:30 KO
Bath Rugby Reporter Sam Jess wrote: “Having both claimed wins over their big rivals, Harlequins and Bath Rugby will both be looking to make it two wins from two. While both teams were made to work hard for victories in Derby Weekend, Bath should come into the game freshest, having had an extra day off and a less taxing match.
“For Quins, the question will be how much has their victory over Saracens taken out on them? They have the skills to stretch a Bath side who have been vulnerable on the wings, but will they have the same mental attitude and energy?
“If they dip slightly, then Bath will claim victory; despite going into the halftime break last week 24-17 down, they outscored Gloucester 38-7 in the second half away from home. No easy feat, and they, too, are never out of any game.
“Any other week, Quins would be favourites against Bath due to their attacking strengths, but something tells me that they peaked emotionally against Saracens, and Bath will catch them out. Harlequins 24-30 Bath Rugby.”
Leicester Tigers vs Gloucester Rugby – Mattioli Woods Welford Road, 15:00 KO
Leicester Tigers Reporter George Wellbelove wrote: “Leicester are on a roll. Fresh off of a great win against local rivals Saints, Michael Cheika’s side will be looking to record their fourth straight win. They should have too much for Gloucester, who were blown away by Bath in the second half. Tigers to win by 20.”
Gloucester Rugby Reporter Ben Baker added: “Gloucester have had a mixed start to the season and will be desperate to pick up a win against Leicester Tigers. George Skivington’s side have shown their attacking quality throughout the season, scoring bonus point tries in every game this season.
“However, The Cherries have struggled defensively, conceding 162 (average 40.5) points across the first four games this season. I can see it being another high scoring tight clash for Gloucester with the game going Leicester’s way by a narrow margin where Gloucester pick up a try and a losing bonus point.”
