Predictions: Champions Cup

Friday

Scarlets vs Ulster (19:45) - POOL 4

It's a must win for both sides as they look to close the gap on pool leaders Racing 92. Scarlets sit bottom of the pool winless and a defeat ends their knockout stage hopes. Ulster know with a win tonight they can move up to 2nd and put the pressure on Racing 92. This is the 3rd time these sides have met this season, both claiming a win on home ground.

Prediction: Scarlets by 7+

Edinburgh vs Newcastle (19:45) - POOL 5

Newcastle sit top of the pool despite the presence of European powerhouses Montpellier and Toulon. 2 great victories over the French sides and they are in a great position. They travel to Edinburgh who last time out in the Champions Cup put on a stunning performance over Toulon and sit 2nd in the pool. A win for both boosts their qualification chances immensenly. Falcons travel to Scotland with an injury struck squad, making the home sides favourites for this one.

Prediction: Edinburgh +10

Saturday

Lyon vs Glasgow (13:00) - POOL 3

Glasgow have a tough trip on their hands as they travel to Lyon to kick Saturday's action off. The French side are fighting for their lives already in pool 3, with 2 defeats already to their name. A win for Glasgow will keep the pressure on Saracens at the top of the pool.

Prediction: Glasgow by 3

Exeter vs Gloucester (13:00) - POOL 2

A tasty English derby kicks Saturday's Champions Cup action off. Pool 2 is finely poised and defeat for either side here would be a huge blow to any QF hopes. Chiefs come into this one off the back of their 1st league defeat of the season but will take positives into the game, knowing they beat this Gloucester team just 2 weeks ago.

Prediction: Exeter by 10

Toulon vs Montpellier (15:15) - POOL 5

Massive game for both these sides as their stuttering starts sees them sitting 4th and 3rd. A defeat for Toulon would see the 3 time champions all but out of the competition, which puts even more pressure on this one.

Prediction: Montpellier by 5

Bath vs Leinster (15:15) - POOL 1

The reigning champions can't afford defeat as they sit 2nd, following their defeat vs Toulouse. They travel to Bath who know defeat all but ends their hopes of a QF spot. These 2 have had many good battles over the years but a full strength Leinster side are favourites for this one.

Prediction: Leinster by 15

Wasps vs Toulouse (17:30) - POOL 1

A very tasty fixture to finish Saturday's rugby off. Toulouse have impressed hugely this season and know a win on Saturday would send out a big statement.

Prediction: Toulouse by 3

Sunday

Saracens vs Cardiff (13:00) - POOL 3

Saracens sit top of their pool and a win vs the Welsh side would cement their place at the top of the pool. A tough ask for Cardiff.

Prediction: Saracens by 10+

Munster vs Castres (13:00) - POOL 2

Munster have a chance to take control of Pool 2 with a win over 2nd place Castres. These 2 sides have had some great European battles over the years, but expect Munster to take this one.

Prediction: Munster by 7

Racing 92 vs Leicester (15:15) - POOL 4

Racing have looked excellent so far in Europe, especially last time out in their win over Ulster. A win over a misfiring Tigers side would see them sit comfortably at the top of the pool.

Prediction: Racing by 15+