Glasgow V Montpellier (Friday KO 7:45) Selection – Montpellier +6 @10/11
Glasgow Warriors play hosts to Montpellier in a bottom of Pool 3 clash on Friday night. I don’t see either of these sides progressing to the knockout stages of the tournament but it still promises to be a good spectacle. Montpellier (+6) is an appealing bet, as they look set to dominate with their bigger and more physical pack. Any penalties will be punished through the boot of All Black out-half, Aaron Cruden – I expect plenty to go the visitors way from both scrums and driving mauls. This should also give world class players like Nadolo, Steyn and Fall a strong platform to do plenty of damage. The Warriors are without their talisman Stuart Hogg and I think it will take a huge performance for them to beat Montpellier by 6 points or more.
Munster V Leicester Tigers (Saturday KO 7:45) Selection – Munster -7 @10/11
Pool 4 is probably the most congested pool in the Champions Cup as Leicester, Munster, Racing 92 and Castres are all separated by just 3 points. Munster are in terrific form of late and are scoring tries for fun. They have averaged 40 points scored in their most recent 3 games and I am expecting a similar level of scoring intent here. Ian Keatley finally looks confident and assured in his number 10 role and should relish the challenge of competing against England out-half George Ford. Similarly, Conor Murray can outclass Ben Youngs in the battle of the scrum-halves. The back row partnership of O’ Mahony, Chirs Cloete and CJ Stander is one of the best in Europe and will ensure Leicester are playing off scraps for large portions of the game. Very few visiting teams are able to handle the occasion when playing at Thomond Park and I think Munster will win this comprehensively.
Saracens V Clermont (Sunday KO 3:15) Selection – Saracens -9 @10/11
Saracens have got off to an ideal start in defending their European title – They are a perfect 2 from 2 and also managed to secure try bonus points in these games. Their Premiership form has been disappointing as they have lost three in a row but I am expecting Sarries to smell blood against Clermont, bounce back and post a big score. Owen Farrell is a far superior 10 than the unproven Toeava for Clermont which should give Sarries a better platform to play. I have also profited from taking on Clermont away from home in the Champions Cup in recent years. Away losses to Ulster, Exeter and Ospreys contributed to Christmas pints over the last two seasons.
Exeter Chiefs V Leinster (Sunday KO 5:30) Selection – Leinster +2 10/11
I have to go against one of favourite teams in world rugby this week and take on the Exeter Chiefs. Bookmakers are giving Leinster a 2 point headstart when they arguably should be favourites. Leinster have won the competition three times and have a European pedigree that the Chiefs have yet to earn. Leinster have also won each of their last three games against Aviva Premiership opposition -Each of them coming by at least a 15-point margin!
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