Worcester Warriors vs Bristol Bears
18th February 2022 – Kick Off 1945hrs
Rugby – England – Premiership
Pick Warriors +8 handicap
Bookmaker Betfair
Odds: 10/11 odds taken 23:12 GMT on February 17th, 2022
The Worcester Warriors are currently looking for a big lift in Premiership Rugby at the moment having lost their last five matches.
It’s been a tough grind for them, but they do get Duhan van der Merwe back in the side as he returns from international duty.
Can he help inspire Worcester to win? The visiting Bears will be looking to bounce back after having their winning streak snapped last weekend.
Table of Contents
Worcester Warriors Preview – Can Warriors break their slump?
Since beating Wasps by a single point at Sixways back in early December, Worcester Warriors have lost five league matches on the spin.
Their home form in the top flight isn’t great, with just three wins in their last 13 at Sixways.
Their overall season record in Premiership Rugby is W3 D1 L11 which leaves them second from bottom.
In the match outright for Premiership Rugby betting on Friday, Worcester are the 7/4 underdogs* (odds recorded 23:12 GMT on February 17th, 2022 at Betfair)
The Warriors have lost their last five in a row against Bristol Bears in the Premiership.
The last time that they hosted them, the Warriors went down by a one-point margin only.
While it all reads like doom and gloom, the Warriors have won two of their last three league games on home turf.
Those were victories earned against Sale and Wasps.
The Worcester Warriors are tied with the Newcastle Falcons for the current longest losing streak in the Premiership (5).
Last weekend they were on the road in league action, going down heavily to a loss at Sale Sharks.
Worcester have to change things up with personnel this week, notably with Van der Merwe returning from Scotland duty.
Worcester have changed their entire back-row for Saturday largely because of injury.
A Worcester +8 handicap is at a quote of 10/11 for Rugby betting on Friday* (odds recorded 23:12 GMT on February 17th, 2022 at Betfair)
Their defence has really struggled in this campaign, conceding more points than any other team for a points difference of -243.
Bristol Bears Preview – Can the Bears get back on track?
The Bristol Bears, after some struggles of their own this season, looking to have turned the corner recently
They had put a four-match winning streak together in all competitions, finally getting some momentum ging.
That winning streak was broken last week however in a heavy defeat.
Bristol lost 32-49 at home against London Irish to knock them off their stride.
In the match outright for Friday’s rugby betting, Bristol are the 2/5 odds-on favourites* (odds recorded 23:12 GMT on February 17th, 2022 at Betfair).
Given the lack of form by Bristol away from home this season, this doesn’t look cut and dry for them.
Bristol have taken just one win away from home in this season’s competition.
That was back in October last year and it’s been losses at Gloucester and Exeter since then.
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Bristol Bears have lost six of their last eight away games in Premiership Rugby.
That was after an eight-match unbeaten run in such fixtures (W7 D1).
They really have been a bit hit and miss on their travels and haven’t been the most clinical of teams in attack.
They have their game-breakers like Semi Randrandra, but can they put everything back together after shipping almost 50 points last weekend?
Worcester Warriors vs Bristol Bears Betting Advice
Worcester Warriors may be up for the challenge in this one, bolstered by the return of Van der Merwe.
One man doesn’t make a team, however, but the Warriors will be delighted to get him back in the side.
We think that they do go close, even though they are struggling with injuries.
A Worcester Warriors +8 handicap is approachable at 10/11* (odds recorded 23:12 GMT on February 17th, 2022 at Betfair).
Key Facts – Worcester Warriors vs Bristol Bears Betting Tip
- Worcester Warriors have lost their last five against Bristol Bears
- Worcester Warriors have lost 10 of their last 13 league home matches
- Bristol Bears have won one away game all season in the top flight
The Bristol Bears have had a miserable time of things on their league travels this season.
They are not at full strength either so this may well be a very tight match.
Bristol were hammered last weekend at London Irish, and are still facing a Worcester side who have won two of their last three at home.
Worcester to win at 7/4* (odds recorded 23:12 GMT on February 17th, 2022 at Betfair)
The best betting odds for Worcester Warriors vs Bristol Bears
Worcester Warriors to win: 7/4 at Bet365
Draw: 20/1 at Bet365
Bristol Bears to win: 2/5 at Bet365
