Scarlets vs Ospreys
Scarlets take on Ospreys in this Welsh derby in the URC. Scarlets are in 11th position with 11 points while Ospreys are in fourth position with 21 points. These stats are slightly misleading as Ospreys have played two matches more than the hosts. It is vital that Scarlets make use of the game in hand and win this match. They have the talent and quality to win but it’s a matter of the halfbacks linking their potent backline. Ospreys are masters at playing a defensive game that involves a lot of kicking.
TIP: The Scarlets so famous for their running brand of rugby will hope that Dan Jones can link up his backline and if he is successful then they have a great chance of victory. Ospreys pride themselves on their defence and once again you can expect a lot of kick and chase from them. The bookies have Scarlets as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the victory. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.45, Playabets 1.43 and Sunbet 1.41
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Scarlets vs Ospreys
- Scarlets have won three of the last five matches between these sides.
- Scarlets have won the last three matches against Ospreys.
- The last five times Scarlets played Ospreys at home they have won. .
Latest results for both teams
The Scarlets won their last match 34-28 against Benetton while the Ospreys lost 13-21 to the Sale Sharks in their last match
PREDICTION
It will be interesting to see if Ospreys persist with their kick and chase policy to the Scarlets back three. In Steff Evans, Liam Williams and Johnny McNicholl they have one of the most dangerous back threes in the competition. All of them are excellent counter attackers and if Ospreys are not accurate then they will be in trouble. Scarlet know that if they can match the Ospreys up front they will win the match. I am predicting a home win by 13 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Scarlets
15 Liam Williams, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Steff Hughes, 12 Scott Williams (c), 11 Steff Evans, 10 Dan Jones, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Sione Kalamafoni, 7 Josh Macleod, 6 Blade Thomson, 5 Tom Price, 4 Sam Lousi, 3 Harri O’Connor, 2 Ryan Elias, 1 Rob Evans
Ospreys
15 Dan Evans, 14 Keelan Giles, 13 Michael Collins, 12 Owen Watkin, 11 Luke Morgan, 10 Josh Thomas, 9 Rhys Webb (c) 8 Morgan Morris, 7 Jac Morgan, 6 Ethan Roots, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Will Griffiths, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Elvis Taione, 1 Nicky Smith
Odds for the Scarlets win
Worldsportsbetting 1.45
Playabets 1.43
Sunbet 1.41
Odds comparison on the Scarlets handicap victory :
The complete odds on the Scarlets handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (-5.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-5.5) 1.86
Playabets (-5.5) 1.87
Predictions and Odds in details
The Ospreys have enjoyed success this season in their tactic of playing for territory. This can be a boring tactic for the fans but seem to work especially against a team that tries to run from their own half. I feel the Scarlets have too much firepower in the backline and Ospreys won’t be able to defend for 80 minutes. The bookies are offering decent returns on the Scarlets win but I suggest the value bet of the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-5.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-5.5) 1.86 and Playabets (-5.5) 1.87
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
