Harlequins vs Bristol predictions & rugby betting tips: Bears braced to spoil the party

Where to watch Harlequins vs Bristol

Live on TNT Sports 1, 7.45pm Friday

Match prediction & best bet

Bristol +8
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Harlequins vs Bristol predictions

The Stoop is getting ready for a party to celebrate Joe Marler's final match for Harlequins on Friday, but the Bristol Bears look ready to gatecrash the larger-than-life prop's emotional send-off.

The Bears are riding high in third place, having just missed out on the playoffs last season, and their record this campaign is a continuation of their upturn in form over the last year.

Having suffered five straight league defeats last October and November, Bristol then won nine of their 11 remaining fixtures as their season ended with a runaway 53-28 defeat of Harlequins at the Stoop.

They have suffered two more losses in the opening six rounds this year – by three points to Gloucester and by two to Saracens – and have won all three on the road, including at table-topping Bath.

Bristol are given a big boost on Friday evening as summer signing Viliame Mata is fit to make his debut. The Fijian powerhouse will start at number eight for the visitors.

England internationals Ellis Genge and Harry Randall don't feature in the Bears squad, but while Quins have seven internationals set to return, they are without fly-half Marcus Smith and could be a little disjointed.

Quins have beaten Saracens at the Stoop this term but were beaten by Bath in their last home match and haven't yet hit the attacking stride that was a feature of their game last season.

Bristol, meanwhile, have been piling on the points and have racked up 30 tries in six games, the joint highest total in the Premiership. They won't be afraid to fight fire with fire and have the attacking threat to at least stay within what looks a generous eight-point handicap.

Saracens are 14-point favourites at bottom side Newcastle in Friday's other Premiership fixture. 

There's a provincial derby in the United Rugby Championship with Leinster five-point favourites at Ulster, while Scarlets are given a start in the low teens for their trip to Glasgow.

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