Exeter Chiefs vs Bristol Bears
9th January 1630hrs
Rugby – England – Premiership
Pick Bristol +7 handicap
Bookmaker Paddy Power
Odds: 10/11 odds taken 1800 GMT, Friday 8th January
Exeter were dealt a bit of a blow last weekend when they were demolished by Wasps. That snapped an eight-match winning streak in all competitions.
But they get back the comfort of Sandy Park this weekend where they face another tough challenge.
The Bristol Bears are coming to town for what is a top-two clash and the visitors will be looking for their third-straight away win.
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Exeter Chiefs Preview – Chiefs to return to winning ways?
Exeter were smashed 34-5 in a loss at Wasps last weekend, a seismic blow to the form of the Chiefs.
Exeter had been on an eight match winning streak across all competitions before that collapse.
So will they now use that defeat to inspire themselves back to the top of their game?
Even though this is a top-two clash in the Premiership, Exeter are the 4/11 odds-on favourites to get the win in it* (odds taken 1800 GMT, Friday 8th January).
They do remain such a tough side to get the better of at Sandy Park.
They have suffered just one defeat there (a league loss against London Irish late on into last season) since February 2020.
Their head to head form against the Bears isn’t too shabby either as they have lost just once to them since 2009 in all competition.
Interestingly though, it was in last season’s corresponding fixture at Sandy Park that the Chiefs lost 17-20 to the Bears.
We do have two form teams here and a Chief’s -7 handicap is coming in at a quote of even money currently* (odds taken 1800 GMT, Friday 8th January).
Four of the last five meetings between the two clubs have been settled by a margin of five points or less, though.
Given how badly the Chiefs were rattled last time out it makes this game fascinating and ti rightly should be the highlight of the weekend.
Bristol Bears Preview – Can the Bears make a statement?
Bristol are rolling along very nicely at the moment as they have only been beaten once in their last six matches in all competition.
That defeat happened in the Champions Cup cup against Clermont.
It has been back to back away victories that the Bristol Bears have taken, winning at Connacht in European action and then against Harlequins back on the domestic front.
So they are going well at the moment but are 11/5 underdogs in the match outright for the win* (odds taken 1800 GMT, Friday 8th January).
Last weekend Bristol claimed a home win over Newcastle at Ashton Gate, becoming the first side this season to beat the Falcons.
They will be stronger up front this time around as well, as their front row gets strengthened after some isolation requirements.
In total there are six changes the Bears are making to last weekend’s starting XV.
The victory over Newcastle last weekend was the fourth league win in a row for the Bears.
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Bristol Bears will be stepping into what is their third away game of this campaign.
On the road so far they have beaten Harlequins 27-19 and have suffered a narrow three-points loss at Wasps.
Both defeats that they have suffered this season have been by three points or fewer.
So on the defensive front they do look as if they could keep this tight and the +7 handicap on the Bears is at 10/11* (odds taken 1800 GMT, Friday 8th January).
That would track with all but one of the last five meetings.
Exeter Chiefs vs Bristol Bears Betting Advice
Exeter were badly shaken by Wasps last weekend. Bristol have already met Wasps as well this season and were narrowly beaten by the London club.
So we project things forward to this being a very tight affair.
Bristol are in a good mood at the moment and have a stronger line up in the pack this weekend. So the Bears +7 handicap is our pick at 10/11* (odds taken 1800 GMT, Friday 8th January).
Key Facts – Exeter Chiefs vs Bristol Bears Betting Tip
- Exeter Chiefs had an eight-match winning streak snapped last weekend
- Exeter Chiefs have lost once to the Bears since 2009
- Bristol Bears won their last visit to Sandy Park
No doubt Exeter will be fired up, looking to put last weekend’s nightmare behind them, but this isn’t an easy game.
With home advantage at Sandy Park, we do see them collecting the four points. But only narrowly.
An Exeter 1-7 winning margin is at 10/3* (odds taken 1800 GMT, Friday 8th January).
The best betting odds for Exeter Chiefs vs Bristol Bears
Exeter Chiefs to win: 4/11 at Bet365
Draw: 22/1 at Bet365
Bristol Bears to win: 11/5 at Bet365
