Northampton (1/5) v Glasgow (8)
Two of Europe’s most in form sides meet in what’s more of a headline counter than many would realise. Given that Glasgow have never beaten an English team on the road a large handicap in the mid-teens is understandable, but Gregor Townsend’s side have been one of the most impressive pacesetters in the Pro 12, and wins at Cardiff and Swansea shows that last season’s semi-finalists mustn’t’ be underestimated. Northampton lead the Premiership and deservedly so, but may be pushed harder than expected in what could be a physical battle which the visitors have prepared for - Glasgow have gone for a 6/2 forward/back split on the bench.
Advice: 1 pt Northampton to win by 1-12 points (13/8 general)
Sale (8/11) v Cardiff (6/4)
Winless in six, Sale lie bottom of the Premiership, having conceded 110 more points than they’ve scored so far, yet start 8/11 favourites presumably based upon the home advantage that they have. Cardiff may have stuttered so far but were impressive in this competition last year, winning 5 out of their 6 pool matches barring a loss at Edinbrugh, and have enough about them to take advantage of the hosts’ woes and grind out a win.
Advice: 1 pt Cardiff to win by 1-12 points (21/10 Bwin)
Toulouse (4/9) v Leicester (2)
Arguably the headline clash of the first weekend, with last season’s Top 14 Champions taking on the Premiership runners up. Toulouse were seen at their most vulnerable on more than one occasion last season, losing to both their English opponents in the pool and being lucky to sneak through to the quarters. Leicester are as tough, if not tougher than both those opponents and should give Toulouse a real game today, although any serious support is putt off by the fact they’ve failed to win their two toughest games in the Premiership this season. Toulouse can win by 1-12 but they’ll need to have their wits about them.
Advice: 2 pts Toulouse to win by 1-12 points (6/4 general)
Toulon (1/10) v Montpellier (10)
Toulon have come a long way in Europe in a short space of time and look ready to launch a serious challenge on the Heineken Cup with a squad list that’s right up there with the best. Matt Giteau, Carl Hayman, Delon Armitage, Andrew Sheridan, Bakkies Botha and Chris Masoe all start along with the combination of Michalak and Wilkinson at 9 and 10, which gives even more creativity to last season’s Top 14 runners up following the arrivals of the Arimtage brothers in the backrow. Toulon have passed at least 29 points in their last 6 matches and look value to do so again facing a Montpellier side that they’ve beaten 32-25 already away from home.
Advice: 4 pts Montpellier to score 29 or more points (4/5 Blue Sq)
No comments:
Post a Comment