2020-21 Premiership Rugby – Bristol Bears vs Newcastle Falcons Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When is Bristol Bears vs Newcastle Falcons taking place? Friday 1st January, 2021 – 15:00 (UK)

Where is Bristol Bears vs Newcastle Falcons taking place? Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol

Where can I get tickets for Bristol Bears vs Newcastle Falcons? Check official club websites for information about purchasing tickets

What television channel is Bristol Bears vs Newcastle Falcons on? BT Sport have the rights to televise Gallagher Premiership matches so it is worth checking their schedule

Where can I stream Bristol Bears vs Newcastle Falcons? If televised on BT Sport, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app

THE TEAM NEWS

Bristol Bears: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Siva Naulago, 13 Semi Radradra, 12 Piers O’Conor, 11 Ioan Lloyd, 10 Callum Sheedy, 9 Andy Uren, 8 Nathan Hughes, 7 Jake Heenan, 6 Steven Luatua (c), 5 Joe Joyce, 4 Dave Attwood, 3 Jake Armstrong, 2 George Kloska, 1 Peter McCabe

Replacements: 16 Aaron Thompson, 17 Andrew Turner, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 John Hawkins, 20 Fitz Harding, 21 Harry Randall, 22 Alapati Leiua, 23 Luke Morahan

Newcastle Falcons: 15 Tom Arscott, 14 Adam Radwan, 13 George Wacokecoke, 12 Matias Orlando, 11 Ben Stevenson, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Sam Stuart, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Mark Wilson (c), 6 Sean Robinson, 5 Marco Fuser, 4 Greg Peterson, 3 Logovi’i Mulipola, 2 Jamie Blamire, 1 Trevor Davison

Replacements: 16 Charlie Maddison, 17 Kyle Cooper, 18 Mark Tampin, 19 Connor Collett, 20 Josh Basham, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Brett Connon, 23 Gareth Owen

THE PREDICTION

Bristol moved up to third in the Premiership after four matches played with a convincing win away at Harlequins on Saturday and they know this is a vital match already this early in the new season. Newcastle Falcons were awarded a default victory after Leicester Tigers were forced to pull out of their fixture due to covid-19 reasons and that sees them unbeaten after four matches as the surprise package early-on. The newly-promoted side were not long out of the top division and they have returned with a real spring in their step but their element of surprise is less potent now. The loss of fans at Ashton Gate due to the elevation to tier 3 from Boxing Day will dampen the spirits of what should be an excellent test here but the hosts look good for the win here and can cover -8 in doing so. This could be a lot closer than some are expecting.