The Anglo-Welsh Cup in rugby gets underway this weekend, with a whole host of teams looking to follow up last year’s win by Leicester Tigers. Aviva Premier League sides London Irish and Bath Rugby meet at the Madejski Stadium, with the duo hoping for a good start to their campaign in Pool 1.
Match Preview
With both sides having lost in the Premiership over the weekend, the two clubs will be looking to return to winning ways in the Anglo-Welsh Cup this weekend. Despite the competition being used by coaches to offer game time and experience to fringe and young players, meaning that we could well see much-changed line-ups in Reading, this is expected to be one of the ties of the round. As a result, there are a host of appealing markets at online bookmakers, with little separating the duo. Be sure to check out our top betting tip surrounding the clash, but first, let’s take a closer look at the two teams.
London Irish Team News & Form
Despite having won just one of their Premiership matches this season following their promotion from Division 1, London Irish have shown significant improvement in recent weeks. London Irish Director of Rugby Nick Kennedy saw his side convincingly beaten by Saracens over the weekend, with hooker David Paice scoring the only try of the game for the visitors. The likes of Alex Lewington, James Marshall and Ben Franks are among the most talented player in the Irish playing squad, however it remains to be seen as to who will line up on Saturday afternoon.
Bath Rugby Team News & Form
Bath suffered an agonising last-gasp defeat to fierce rivals Gloucester at the Rec on Sunday, with Todd Blackadder’s men undoubtedly looking to return to winning ways when they make the short trip to Reading. Freddie Burns could well start at fly-half following his three-week suspension, while the likes of Aled Brew, Nick Auterac, Max Lahiff and Tom Homer potentially making rare starts this season for the away side. Meanwhile, James Wilson could make his debut having signed on a short-term basis.
Head to Head
Bath Rugby have won the last five meetings between the two sides, the last of which came back in March 2016 when they won narrowly by 25 points to 17. However, with London Irish playing in front of their home fans, it could well be a tight affair come kick-off on Saturday.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite their home advantage and recent upturn in form, it perhaps comes as little surprise that it is London Irish who are the underdogs for victory with the majority of online bookmakers. The home side can be backed at best odds of 6/5 with William Hill, with the same platform offer the visitors odds of 1/2.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on Bath Rugby to be winning at half time, which is available at odds of 8/13.