Sale Sharks vs Bristol
Two Premiership teams clash in this first leg tie of the Champions Cup quarter final. The Sharks will be smarting after they suffered a home defeat to Saracens in their last outing. Bristol did not fare much better in their last match as they were easily defeated by the Saints. The Sharks have arguably the strongest forward pack in England while Bristol can lay claim to having the best backline players in the country. The Sharks will be looking for a more set piece orientated match while the Bristol Bears will want to throw the ball around which will make for an exciting match.
TIP: The Sharks know that they need to gain a convincing win in this match as the second leg will be difficult at Ashton Gate. The Sale team is a power packed team with the Du Preez and Curry brothers in the forward pack and backline players like Manu Tuilagi and Rohan Janse van Rensburg. Bristol also have star quality in their backline but the platform must be laid by the forwards. The bookies have the Sharks as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.44, Playabets 1.42 and Sunbet 1.38.
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Sale Sharks vs Bristol
- Sale have won three of the last five matches between these sides.
- The Sharks have won their last three home matches against Bristol.
- Bristol last beat the Sharks at home in 2017.
Latest results for both teams
Sale lost their last match 18-12 to Saracens while Bristol lost 39-22 to the Saints in their last match.
PREDICTION
The contrasting styles of both teams means that if Bristol are to cause an upset they will need their halfbacks to get the ball out to the likes of Semi Radradra and Charles Piutau. These players can make magic with very little space but they will be aware that the Sharks are one of the best defensive teams in the competition. The Sharks will have a simple game plan that will involve them kicking a lot and following this up with excellent chasers. The man that will be most important for the home team will be Faf de Klerk. If he can gain control of the match then the Sharks will win. I predict a home win by 12 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Sale Sharks
15 Luke James, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Arron Reed, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Dan du Preez, 7 Ben Curry, 6 Jono Ross, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Ewan Ashman 1 Bevan Rodd
Bristol
15 Charles Piutau, 14 Siva Naulago, 13 Semi Radradra, 12 Antoine Frisch, 11 Alapati Leiua, 10 Callum Sheedy, 9 Andy Uren, 8 Fitz Harding, 7 Jake Heenan, 6 Chris Vui, 5 Joe Joyce (c), 4 Dave Attwood, 3 John Afoa, 2 Harry Thacker, 1 Yann Thomas
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sale Sharks victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.44
Playabets 1.42
Sunbet 1.38
Odds comparison on the Sale Sharks handicap :
The complete odds on the Sale Sharks handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-5.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-5.5) 1.86
Playabets (-5.5) 1.88
Predictions and Odds in details
The Bristol pack will need to have their maul defence in excellent form as the Sharks rely on the maul as a major weapon. The visitors will be banking on their international stars to create try scoring opportunities. The Sharks will be weary of the threat the Bears pose and will need their kicking game need to be accurate or they could be chasing shadows. There are decent odds on the Sale Sharks win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap for better returns. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-5.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-5.5) 1.86 and Playabets (-5.5) 1.88
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.
