Bristol vs Sale Sharks Predictions & Tips - Bears to take the win

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 13 Apr 2023

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Ralph Staniforth 13 Apr 2023

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Watch Bristol vs Sale Sharks in the English Rugby Premiership on Friday (19:45 BST)
Sale Sharks have lost their last 7 away matches in all competitions.
Will the hosts make home advantage count once again

Expired

Bears to produce to goods (Getty Images)

Bristol vs Sale Sharks Predictions

A close encounter is expected at Ashen Gate in Bristol as Sale Sharks travel to Bristol Bears. Sale are having a wonderful season so far and are in good form but the Bears will be counting on home ground advantage to even the odds.

Bristol vs Sale Sharks Predictions
Head-to-Head
Bristol Form
Sale Sharks Form

Bristol have won 7 of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Bristol have won 6 of their last 7 home matches in all competitions.
Sale Sharks have lost 6 of their last 7 matches in all competitions.
Sale Sharks have lost their last 7 away matches in all competitions.

Head-to-Head

Sale Sharks lead the matchup 22-17 with 1 draw in the 40 matches between the sides.

Bristol won the last match 43-19 at home in the Premiership Rugby Cup.

Bristol Form

The Bears have not been at their best this season with only seven wins to their name as they find themselves in seventh place on the table.

Bristol’s current form includes a 62-8 home win over Northampton and a 51-26 home win over Harlequins. An away loss at Leicester by 46-24 would subsequently follow.

A 33-26 home loss to Clermont in the Challenge Cup is their latest result. Clermont upset the odds as they outplayed a lacklustre Bears side on the day. The defence of Bristol was not up to scratch as they concede four tries. Good defence by Clermont ensured that they advanced at the end.

Centre Semi Radradra is set to miss the match through injury with the rest of the squad seemingly available for selection at this stage.

Sale Sharks Form

Sale Sharks are second on the table after winning eleven matches from their seventeen matches. Their away form has not been too great so this should prove a leveller in this match.

The Sharks’ results of late include a 24-22 away loss at Exeter followed by a 35-24 home win over Saracens. These were followed by a 36-18 away loss at London Irish.

Sales most recent match was a 28-27 away loss to Cardiff in the Challenge Cup. A gritty second half fightback by the Sharks proved to be in vain as a 71st minute penalty by Cardiff snuck the win. Sale were poor in the first half as they leaked three tries and almost came back to win.

Team news will be announced at a later stage but it looks like the same squad should be available for selection for this match.

Verdict

Bristol v Sale Sharks

I am backing Bristol to win the match due to Sale’s poor run of form especially when on the road and the fact that Bristol have shown great form at home in recent months.

Bears Win

Full Time Result

@23/20 - 5 Units

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