Bristol Bears v Bath: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Bristol and Bath head across the Severn Bridge to meet in the Bears' 'Big Day Out' fixture in Cardiff, with the 'hosts' desperate for a victory to prolong their play-off hopes.

Pat Lam's side start round 16 fourth in the Premiership table but have lost three in a row and injuries have undoubtedly hampered them.

By contrast, Bath are 14 points clear at the top of the table and on for a home semi-final as they aim to go one better than last season's Grand Final defeat to Northampton.

With the Premiership Rugby Cup already in the bag and last weekend's win at Edinburgh qualifying them for the final of the European Challenge Cup, everything looks splendid for Johann van Graan's men.

They have won 13 of their last 14 in all competitions  – the outlier being a Premiership Rugby Cup defeat to Bristol.

However, Van Graan is now in squad-management mode and although several of his starlets played in the Premiership Rugby Cup success, his young selection might not be able to handle the Bears' brilliant attack.

Bristol Bears v Bath betting tips and predictions

Winning Margin 4-Way - Bristol Bears to win by 13+ - 5/4

While Bath were in continental action, beating Edinburgh 39-24 to reach the European Challenge Cup final, Bristol have had a fortnight off since their 48-31 defeat at Northampton on 26th April.

Lam will have been working hard on the training paddock to stem his side's three-game losing streak and will be looking to use October's 36-26 win at the Rec as his side's blueprint.

That is Bath's only home defeat of the season, while Bristol have won just three of their seven matches at Ashton Gate. 

This outing at the Principality Stadium gives them the chance to cut loose and, with an away match at Sale next up and a home fixture against Harlequins to complete the regular season, they probably need to win this game and one of those two outings to make the play-offs.

Bath resting Finn Russell and others could prove a shrewd move in keeping everyone fit for the campaign's final weeks, but while they have the best attack in the Premiership, Bristol have tallied the second most points.

The Bears also have the second-worst defence but their more familiar line-up should take less time to settle in their new surroundings than Van Graan's starlets and can win by two or more converted scores.

Gabriel Ibitoye to score two or more tries - 10/3

Winger Gabriel Ibitoye is one of several Bristol players to have spent time on the sidelines this season but returned with a try-scoring effort against Leicester and grabbed two more at Northampton to take him to a joint-Premiership best of 10 scores.

Defensive foibles mean the 27-year-old may never get the England recognition his attacking exploits deserve but he is in blockbuster form and at just 4/6 anytime, is worth following in Cardiff.

Ibitoye also beat 10 defenders, made five clean breaks and four offloads against the Saints, and it often takes two, even three, opposition tacklers to thwart him.

His direct opponent, Joe Cokanasiga, is one of the few Bath regulars to have made the cut for Saturday's match but like Ibitoye, his defensive game is far inferior to his work on the front foot and another brace could beckon for the Bristol flyer.

Benhard Janse van Rensburg to score a try - 13/8

Inside Ibitoye, wearing the number 13 jersey, will be Benhard Janse van Rensburg, who is enduring a relative try drought after failing to cross in his team's last three matches.

The South African-born utility back has played at fly-half, and his preferred role is in the 12 shirt. However, he has increasingly spent time in the outside centre channel.

Van Rensburg went over twice when these teams met in the Premiership Rugby Cup in February and also crossed in October's win at the Rec.

With space likely to be available, and Bath opposite number, Louie Hennessey potentially vulnerable in the always difficult to defend 13 channel, the 28-year-old Pretorian could get chances to grab five or more points.

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Bristol Bears v Bath odds

Bristol Bears - 3/10
Tie - 25/1
Bath - 13/5

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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.