Irish to be odds-on favourites would have been unthinkable a few weeks ago but their marvellous win at Exeter coupled with the Bears’ poor start to the season, marks them down as favourites.
However, the Bears do have some notable players back, particularly in the backline as they look to finally ignite in attack. Luke Morahan is set to make his first outing of the 2021/22 campaign and there are returns for Charles Piutau, Piers O’Conor and Andy Uren, and their presence should help Pat Lam’s side score more freely in a game where defences may struggle.
Given their second-half struggles though, it might be worth backing Irish to score most points after the break.
Recommended bet: Irish to win the second half, 10/11 (Paddy Power)
London Irish: 15 Tom Parton, 14 James Stokes, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Benhard van Rensburg, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Nick Phipps, 1 Will Goodrick-Clarke, 2 Mike Willemse, 3 Ollie Hoskins, 4 Steve Mafi, 5 Rob Simmons, 6 Matt Rogerson (c), 7 Isaac Curtis-Harris, 8 Albert Tuisue.
Replacements: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Allan Dell, 18 Marcel van der Merwe, 19 George Nott, 20 Jack Cooke, 21 Ben White, 22 Terrence Hepetema, 23 Kyle Rowe.
Bristol: 15. Charles Piutau; 14. Luke Morahan, 13. Jack Bates, 12. Piers O’Conor, 11. Toby Fricker, 10. Callum Sheedy, 9. Andy Uren; 1. Yann Thomas, 2. Jake Kerr, 3. John Afoa, 4. Dave Attwood (co-capt), 5. Joe Joyce, 6. Sam Jeffries, 7. Jake Heenan (co-capt), 8. Fitz Harding.
Replacements: 16. Harry Thacker, 17. Max Lahiff, 18. Jake Armstrong, 19. John Hawkins, 20. Dan Thomas, 21. Tom Whiteley, 22. Ioan Lloyd, 23. Alapati Leiua.
