Newcastle Falcons v Leicester Tigers Preview

Referee Wayne Barnes could not have picked a better encounter for his record-equalling 190th Premiership match on the whistle. But, ever the professional, he'll want the talk after the game not to be about him but about the performances of the two teams in what looks certain to be a tight game. The hosts have lost just twice in all competitions this season - with both those defeats a long way from Kingston Park - against Saracens in Philadelphia and at Exeter. They will want to keep up their strong home form against the Tigers, though they face a tough challenge against a side coming back to domestic action on the back of a commanding Champions Cup victory over Castres Olympique. The Tigers have won their last two Premiership matches on the road - but have not won three in a row away from home since March 2014. This could be the match of the Premiership weekend.

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Newcastle Falcons v Leicester Tigers Prediction

The Rugby Union Odds all agree. This one is a brute to call. In front of the first expected sell-out crowd at Kingston Park in nine years, no one expects any quarter given from two sides who like nothing better than to attack, attack, attack. On paper, Leicester have an outstanding and expensively gathered squad that has underperformed in recent years, while Dean Richards is creating something very special on a much smaller budget at Newcastle. Our Rugby Union betting tips suggest that, while the hosts may edge the finesse, the Tigers will bring their own very special blend of hard edge and niggle. In the end, it's going to be mighty close - with not much more than a score in it either way.

Newcastle Falcons v Leicester Tigers Betting Tips

Just three points separate fourth-placed Falcons from sixth-placed Tigers going into this match - and history suggests that punters should err on the side of the visitors, who have won 13 of the past 14 meetings between the two sides. But the current version of Newcastle, which really started to develop last season, is a very different beast than the ones that took to the pitch in seasons gone by - and there really is nothing to choose between the two sides this time, hence Unibet's best price on a home win. Newcastle have maintained their early season form through the two-week European break, giving head coach Dean Richards a welcome selection headache ahead of kick-off on Sunday. He acknowledged some players would be disappointed when the team sheet was revealed - but having that level of competition for places across the team makes for a successful squad. One that, with the added benefit of home advantage, could take very well the points at the end of a close-fought day.

You'd struggle to slide an atom between these two sides, this game is so close, which means it's impossible to ignore the draw no bet option as a safety valve. Betsson's 6/7 offer is as good as it gets for those who think that Leicester's hard-nosed direct approach will be just enough to see them claim the points, but want to keep their options just a little more open. News that the ankle injury that forced prop Ellis Genge off the field early last weekend against Castres is not serious and is fit to bolster Leicester's gnarly forward pack is good news for the visitors. He had been uncompromising in the scrum and in the loose all game and adds an extra brutal dimension to Leicester whenever he is on the pitch. Maybe he will be the difference as the Tigers look to strengthen their position in the league after a mixed bag fortnight in Europe.