Gloucester vs Leicester Tigers
This match will see Gloucester trying to get off the mark with their first win having lost on the opening day of the season. The Tigers have no such problems as they were very impressive in seeing of last year’s finalist the Exeter Chiefs. They showed great variety in the win as they scored tries with great backline moves and power from their forwards. Gloucester will need to show marked improvement in their defence as they conceded easy tries against the Saints. They also looked toothless in attack and that stems from them not having an experienced flyhalf. Lloyd Evans has looked out of his depth at 10 while the Tigers have in George Ford arguably the best 10 in the competition and he was superb in marshalling his troops and managing the game. The Tigers will again look to him to launch their attacks.
TIP: The Tigers are traditionally very strong in their forwards and this was very evident as they got the better of a very good Exeter pack. The Gloucester team seem to be lacking cohesion in attack and if they can spark their backs then they have two of the best wingers in Ollie Thorley and Johnny May. May has a lot to prove as he was overlooked by the Lions and he started the season well by getting on the scoresheet against the Saints. The appointment of Ellis Genge as skipper for the Tigers was met with scepticism but after one match it looks like it was an inspired decision. He led from the front and lifted the team when it was most needed. The bookies have the Tigers as slight favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.62, Playabets 1.60 and Sunbet 1.58
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Gloucester vs Leicester
- In the last five games between these sides there have been 4 Leicester wins and one win for Gloucester.
- Nine of the last 10 matches have been won by the home side.
- The sequence of nine consecutive home wins was ended in their last clash which the Tigers won.
Latest results for both teams
Gloucester lost their last match 34-20 against the Saints while the Tigers beat Exeter Chiefs 34-19 in their last match.
PREDICTION
When you look at the Tigers team there aren’t too many weaknesses and the ease in which they dispatched the Chiefs was evidence of this. They have a formidable forward pack and used their driving maul to great effect. Once they have the maul set up they are almost unstoppable. The backline of the Tigers features players like Nemani Nadolo and Freddie Steward. Nadolo was in great form and always gets his team on the front foot and the other amazing thing about him is that he gets the off load away from impossible positions. Gloucester will need to be better disciplined as the Tigers have Ford who rarely misses an opportunity to score. The more balanced Tigers team will win this match by more than 4 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Gloucester
15 Kyle Moyle, 14 Jonny May, 13 Tom Seabrook, 12 Billy Twelvetrees, 11 Ollie Thorley, 10 Lloyd Evans, 9 Ben Meehan, 8 Jack Clement, 7 Lewis Ludlow (c), 6 Jordy Reid, 5 Andrew Davidson, 4 Ben Morgan, 3 Fraser Balmain, 2 Jack Singleton, 1 Harry Elrington
Leicester
15 Freddie Steward, 14 Harry Potter, 13 Matt Scott, 12 Dan Kelly, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Hanro Liebenberg, 7 Tommy Reffell, 6 George Martin, 5 Calum Green, 4 Harry Wells, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Nic Dolly, 1 Ellis Genge (c)
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Leicester victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.62
Playabets 1.60
Sunbet 1.58
Odds comparison on the Leicester handicap victory :
The complete odds on the Leicester handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (-3.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-2.5) 1.85
Playabets (-3.5) 1.85
Predictions and Odds in details
The Gloucester team need to find a way to get the ball out to their wings as they have proven try scoring ability. The man that needs to stand up is Billy Twelvetrees. He must show his experience by guiding the younger players around him. He is too often the reason attacks break down as his poor distribution skills are exposed. The scrum is an area that the Tigers will look to attack Gloucester as the home team have struggled in this area for a long time. Ellis Genge will have his front row fired up for this contest and if they dominate the scrum then I fancy them to canter to an easy victory. There are decent returns on the Tigers outright win but I suggest taking them on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-3.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-2.5) 1.85 and Playabets (-3.5) 1.85
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.
