Bath v Gloucester: Free Tips, Prediction and Odds

Bath sit top of the Premiership and, after winning the Premiership Rugby Cup, will be seeking to add some local pride to their haul on Sunday when Gloucester head down the M5 for the pair's 'Derby Weekend' clash.

The Cherry and Whites suffered their heaviest defeat of the season in October's reverse game, a 55-31 loss, but after working out their cricks, George Skivington believes his team are now a more balanced outfit.

That has been proven by results, with Gloucester beginning the round third in the table and with a genuine chance of a play-off finish.

However, with the Six Nations over, the season starts now and Bath lead the standings and claimed their first silverware in 17 years when lifting the Premiership Rugby Cup last Sunday.

Johann van Graan's side are aiming to go one better than last season's Twickenham Grand Final defeat but may not have it all their own way on derby day.

Bath v Gloucester free betting tips and predictions

Gloucester +11.5 - 1/1

Despite some tough times in recent years, Gloucester had won on three successive trips to the Recreation Ground before last year's 17-10 loss, and their attacking approach means they can challenge any other side.

Considering their gradual improvements under Skivington, October's defeat at Kingsholm doesn't feel like a fair gauge of their talents and they won five of their last six in the Premiership before the league's sabbatical for the Six Nations.

A first play-off finish since 2018/19 is a real possibility and a bonus point on Sunday, whether through scoring four tries, losing by seven or fewer points, or both, feels like a genuine possibility.

However, Bath look the real deal after coming so close last season and their youngsters winning the Premiership Rugby Cup will have flooded the club with confidence.

They are short odds to win on Sunday but while they should get the result, Gloucester could run them closer than they are being given credit for.

Max Llewellyn anytime tryscorer - 6/4

Gloucester have included four of their Wales internationals in their team, including Max Llewellyn.

A late developer, Llewellyn is now moving out of the giant shadow of his father, former 92-cap lock Gareth.

He has been outstanding this season, making more clean breaks than any other Premiership player (25) and beating the second-most defenders (40).

These carrying statistics have helped him plunder seven Premiership tries, while he also crossed in Wales' recent defeat to Scotland.

The 26-year-old scored Gloucester's first touchdown at Kingsholm in October and even his selection on the wing rather than in his preferred outside centre position does little to dim the excitement around him.

Tom de Glanville anytime tryscorer - 7/4

Another player now established for his own exploits, rather than his father's, is Bath full-back Tom de Glanville.

His dad, Phil, captained England from the centres but De Glanville junior has played his best rugby at full-back and it feels a matter of time before he earns senior Red Rose honours after playing internationally through the age groups.

De Glanville has scored three tries in Bath's last two meetings with Gloucester and representing his hometown club obviously takes on additional significance against arguably their greatest rival.

In an open game, the full-back can fire again.

Read more rugby union betting tips and predictions on site

Bath v Gloucester odds

Bath - 1/5
Tie - 33/1
Gloucester - 7/2

View the full market and more odds for Bath v Gloucester on site

Read Bath v Gloucester how to watch, TV channel, head-to-head stats, team news and more on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.