Gloucester have been backed to reach the Premiership play-offs again next season.

Johan Ackermann’s side are third favourites with the bookies to be crowned English champions in the 2019-20 season following the release of the fixtures.

They finished third last season to reach the play-offs for the first time in eight years but were well beaten in the semi-finals by Saracens, who clinched a Premiership and European double.

Unsurprisingly, Saracens are big favourites to win the title for a third year in a row at 11/10, ahead of Exeter with the runners-up in the last two years given odds of 5/2.

Gloucester Rugby head coach Johan Ackermann

There is a big drop to the next team with Gloucester rated as the best of the rest at a 20/1 shot.

The top five is expected to be the same as last season with Northampton and Harlequins both 25/1 to win the league.

Worcester are relegation favourites.

Gallagher Premiership winner odds 2019/20

Saracens 11/10

Exeter 5/2

Gloucester 20/1

Northampton 25/1

Harlequins 25/1

Sale 33/1

Leicester 33/1

Bath 33/1

Wasps 33/1

Bristol 50/1

London Irish 150/1

Worcester 300/1