Leicester Tigers vs Bath
The unbeaten table topping Tigers welcome Bath to Welford Road in the first of the round 8 fixtures. It’s hard to believe that a proud team like Bath find themselves last on the log, still searching for their first win of the season. Tigers have no such problems and are flying high and absolutely demolished the Saints 55-26 last week. The Tigers pack has been immense all season and that is one of the reasons that they have swept all before them this season. Bath are not playing as a team neither in defence or in attack. For Bath to have a realistic chance to win they need Danny Cipriani to be at his mercurial best. He can be the difference but his good days are now so often far apart. The other senior players also need to stand up as this is a team sport not an individual sport
TIP: There are many factors that have contributed to the Tigers great start to the season but none more so than the brilliant form of George Ford. He has been back to his best and have controlled the matches with his accurate kicking and game management. He always seem to make the right decision whether to kick or to counter attack. The Tigers have a much changed line up as many players are away on national duty. They can be thankful that Eddie Jones keeps overlooking Ford. The bookies have the Tigers as heavy favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.10, Playabets 1.08 and Sunbet 1.09
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Leicester Tigers vs Bath
- In the last five matches between the sides there have been three Bath wins and two for the Tigers..
- In the last four home matches against Bath, the Tigers have only won once.
- Bath have not had two consecutive wins over the Tigers since 2017.
Latest results for both teams
Tigers won their last match against the Saints 55-26 while Bath lost 27-17 to Wasps.
PREDICTION
The Bath team were unlucky in their last match as they had a player sent off just when they were starting to take control of the match. One of their major problems has been their discipline and if they transgress in this match, Ford will make them pay with his accurate boot. The Tigers have dominated all opposition with their forwards and this is what they will attempt to do again in this match. The pack has laid the platform for Ford to launch the potent backline that includes the powerhouse Nemani Nadolo. He may not be scoring tries like in his heyday but he still attracts three defenders opening gaps for the other backs. The overall power and precision of the Tigers pack make me predict a home win by more than 17 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Leicester Tigers
15 Freddie Burns, 14 Guy Porter, 13 Matt Scott, 12 Dan Kelly, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 George Ford (c), 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 8 Cyle Brink, 7 Tommy Reffell, 6 Ollie Chessum, 5 Calum Green, 4 Harry Wells, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Nic Dolly, 1 Francois van Wyk
Bath
15 Orlando Bailey, 14 Semesa Rokoduguni, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Max Clark, 11 Will Muir, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Ollie Fox, 8 Miles Reid, 7 Richard de Carpentier, 6 Tom Ellis, 5 Ewan Richards, 4 Josh McNally (c), 3 D’Arcy Rae, 2 Tom Dunn, 1 Juan Schoeman
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Leicester Tigers victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.10
Playabets 1.08
Sunbet 1.09
Odds comparison on the Leicester handicap victory :
The complete odds on the Leicester handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (-16.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-16.5) 1.92
Playabets (-16.5) 1.80
Predictions and Odds in details
The Bath team will be desperate to end their worst ever start to a season and have never lost seven matches on the trot. The likes of Semesa Rokoduguni and Jonathan Joseph need to lead from the front and guide this young team. It’s during these times of adversity that the real heroes stand up. I know that it is a major ask to expect the bottom team to beat the table toppers but this Bath team have not shown any fight when losing. The Tigers have used their rolling mail to great effect in the league and Bath need their maul defence to be excellent. The bookies are offering poor returns on the Tigers outright win therefore I suggest them on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-16.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-16.5) 1.92 and Playabets (-16.5) 1.80
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
