Sale Sharks vs Bristol Predictions & Tips - Sale Sharks backed against Bears at home

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 15 May 2025

Ralph Staniforth 15 May 2025

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Sale Sharks have a strong home record, winning 14 of the last 16 games.
Bristol has struggled away, losing 5 of their last 7 matches at Sale.
Sale Sharks are expected to cover the -6.5 handicap in this clash.

Expired

Sale Sharks have been in solid form against Bristol in recent seasons (Getty Images)

Sale Sharks vs Bristol Preview

The Sale Sharks have been victorious in their last three home games while Bristol have struggled away.

Sale Sharks vs Bristol Preview
Head to Head
Sale Sharks Form
Sale Sharks Team News & Injuries
Bristol Form
Bristol Team News & Injuries

Sale Sharks have won 4 of their last 6 fixtures in all competitions.
Sale Sharks have won 14 of their last 16 home games in all competitions.
Sale Sharks have won 6 of their last 8 matches against Bristol.
Bristol have lost 5 of their last 6 away games in all competitions.
Bristol have lost 5 of their last 7 away matches against the Sale Sharks.

Head to Head

The Sale Sharks have an advantage with 12 victories to seven against Bristol, including one draw in 20 meetings.

The Sale Sharks thumped Bristol 38-0 away from home earlier this season.

Sale Sharks Form

The Sale Sharks produced a solid first half display against the Leicester Tigers last weekend, scoring four tries and three conversions to go into the tunnel wth a 26-16 lead.

However, the Sale Sharks could not maintain their level of play in the second half, scoring a penalty and a try to lose 44-34 to the Leicester Tigers away from home.

The Sale Sharks lost 32-23 to Bath and 20-19 to Doncaster before beating Newcastle 19-17, the Northampton Saints 27-24, and Saracens 25-7 in their last five home matches.

Sale are 4th in the Premiership table with 49 points from 16 games.

Sale Sharks will relish hosting Bristol this weekend to strengthen their chances of making the playoffs after winning six of their last eight encounters against their opponents.

Sale Sharks Team News & Injuries

Tom Curry is out with a minor hamstring injury.

Robert de Preez scored a brace against Bath.

Luke Cowan-Dickie, Rekeiti Maasi-White, and Arron Reed scored a try each last weekend.

George Ford slotted three conversions and a penalty.

Bristol Form

Bristol scored three tries and two conversions in the first half against Bath last weekend, going into the break with a 19-7 lead.

Bristol added three tries and a conversion to their tally in the second half to secure a 36-14 home win over Bath.

The Bristol Bears have not been at their best in their last five away fixtures. They lost 33-26 to Clermont, and thumped Ampthill 74-14 before losing 23-14 to Bedford, 53-28 to Gloucester, and 48-31 to the Northampton Saints.

Bristol are 3rd on the Premiership log with 52 points from 16 games.

Bristol must win to keep their chances of making the playoffs. However, they have not been getting results away from home lately and have lost five of their last seven visits to the home of the Sale Sharks.

Bristol Team News & Injuries

Steven Luatua and Harry Thacker are doubtful starters against the Sale Sharks, as both players are nursing knocks.

Gabriel Ibitoye, Rich Lane, Gabriel Oghre, Fitz Harding, Will Capon, and Bill Mata scored a try each against Bath.

AJ MacGinty kicked over three conversions in the match.

Verdict

Sale Sharks v Bristol

The Sale Sharks have a solid record against Bristol at their home stadium and are tipped to cover the -6.5 handicap in their crucial Premiership clash.