Wasps vs Bristol Bears Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Wasps vs Bristol Bears taking place? Wasps vs Bristol Bears will take place on Saturday 25th September, 2021 at 15:00 (UK)
Where is Wasps vs Bristol Bears taking place? Wasps vs Bristol Bears will take place at Coventry Building Society Arena in Coventry
Where can I get tickets for Wasps vs Bristol Bears? Ticket information for Wasps vs Bristol Bears can be found on each side’s official website
What TV channel is Wasps vs Bristol Bears on in the UK? Wasps vs Bristol Bears will be televised live on BT Sport
Where can I stream Wasps vs Bristol Bears in the UK? BT Sport subscribers can stream Wasps vs Bristol Bears live on the BT Sport Player & app
THE TEAM NEWS
Wasps: 15 Ali Crossdale, 14 Marcus Watson, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Michael Le Bourgeois, 11 Josh Bassett, 10 Jacob Umaga, 9 Dan Robson, 8 Tom Willis, 7 Gabriel Oghre, 6 Brad Shields (c), 5 Elliott Stooke, 4 Vaea Fifita, 3 Jeff Toomaga-Allen, 2 Tom Cruse, 1 Robin Hislop
Replacements: 16 Dan Frost, 17 Ben Harris, 18 Biyi Alo, 19 Tim Cardall, 20 Ben Morris, 21 Will Porter, 22 Jimmy Gopperth, 23 Zach Kibirige
Bristol Bears: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Niyi Adeolokun, 13 Piers O’Conor, 12 Alapati Leiua, 11 Ioan Lloyd, 10 Callum Sheedy, 9 Andy Uren, 8 Nathan Hughes, 7 Dan Thomas, 6 Steven Luatua (c), 5 Chris Vui, 4 Dave Attwood, 3 Max Lahiff, 2 Harry Thacker, 1 Yann Thomas
Replacements: 16 Will Capon, 17 Jake Woolmore, 18 Jake Armstrong, 19 Ed Holmes, 20 Jake Heenan, 21 Harry Randall, 22 Sam Bedlow, 23 Henry Purdy
THE PREDICTION
With 13 teams in the Premiership this season due to last season’s covid-19 complications, Wasps sat out the opening weekend. It remains to be seen if this is a help or hindrance but facing a wounded Bristol Bears side fresh from their humbling by the returning Saracens could end up a bonus if they start fast at home. Visiting Bristol were beaten by 23 points in a 9-26 humbling at home to Sarries, who have come back from their Championship exile with a point to prove. In normal service this should be a close away win for the Bears but there is something about the circumstances ahead of this match that makes taking Wasps with a +1 head-start look a shrewd move.
