Connacht vs Bristol Predictions - Connacht set for narrow win

Bristol beat Connacht 27-18 away in the Champions Cup back in 2020.

After making a storming start to their season in the URC, Connacht has slipped back in results over the last couple of months.

They have lost all three of their Champions Cup games to date and their form in the URC has also suffered. Connacht were thrashed 41-5 at home in their first Champions Cup game before going down 55-36 at Saracens.

A return to the URC didn’t improve their fortunes much as Ulster won 20-19 against Connacht. The following week, the Irish club won their derby 22-9 at home against Munster but last week lost 34-20 at Lyon in the Champions Cup.

Without a win Connacht may place their focus on the URC moving forward. However, they won’t want to suffer a home defeat, so I am banking on them selecting a strong outfit.

Bristol have managed just the single win in their three Champions Cup games to date. That victory came at home to Lyon on their first game. 

The Bears followed it up with a 36-17 defeat to Bordeaux in France before returning to the Premiership with a 21-13 victory over Newcastle away. Bristol then suffered a 24-14 loss at home to Exeter.

An impressive win at Sale came next but the Bears failed to back it up against the Bulls in their return to the Champions Cup. They lost the game 31-17 at home and were outplayed comprehensively.

Bristol likely need a result from this game to keep their chances of qualification realistic. I expect them to go in at full strength.