Edinburgh vs Leinster
Edinburgh welcome Leinster to The DAM Health Stadium for this match in the URC. The home team have been disappointing in recent matches, losing four of the last five with the only victory coming against winless Zebre. Leinster on the other hand are the only unbeaten side in the competition and are seeking their 15th straight win of the season. The home side will need to inflict the first loss on the season on the Irish giants if they are to remain in contention for a playoff positions. The return from injury of international players Emiliano Boffelli and Stuart McInally will be a major boost for the Scottish team.
TIP: Leinster have more than 12 players away on Irish national duty but they have such depth in their squad, that they will again start as heavy favourites. Edinburgh started the season with an unbeaten record at home but have fallen away in recent weeks but still have a chance for redemption. They will take heart from the fact that they beat a very strong Saracens not so long ago but they will need to be at their very best to upset Leinster. The bookies have Leinster as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.40, Gbets 1.42 and Hollywoodbets 1.38
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Edinburgh vs Leinster
- Leinster have won the last three matches between the sides.
- Edinburgh have won two of the last six matches between the sides with both wins coming at home.
Latest results for both teams
Edinburgh lost 42-14 to Scarlets in their last match while Leinster beat the Dragons 43-14 in their last match.
PREDICTION
There are many intriguing battles but the undoubted strength of both teams lie in their loose forwards. Leinster and Edinburgh have an all international loose trio and its fair to say the match could be decided in this battle. The home team have plenty of firepower in their backline but it will be up to flyhalf Charlie Savala to get exciting runners like Wes Goosen and Emiliano Boffelli into the match. The visitors have a fairly inexperienced backline and the home side will look at this as a potential weakness. Leinster have too much of talent in their team therefore I am predicting an away win by 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Edinburgh
15 Emiliano Boffelli, 14 Damien Hoyland, 13 Mark Bennett, 12 James Lang, 11 Wes Goosen, 10 Charlie Savala, 9 Ben Vellacott, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Hamish Watson, 6 Luke Crosbie (c), 5 Sam Skinner, 4 Marshall Sykes, 3 Lee-Roy Atalifo, 2 Stuart McInally, 1 Boan Venter
Leinster
15 Ciarán Frawley, 14 Jordan Larmour, 13 Liam Turner, 12 Jamie Osborne, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Harry Byrne, 9 Luke McGrath, 8 Max Deegan, 7 Scott Penny, 6 Rhys Ruddock (c), 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Ross Molony, 3 Michael Ala’alatoa, 2 John McKee, 1 Michael Milne
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Leinster victory are as follows:
Betway 1.40
Gbets 1.42
Hollywoodbets 1.38
Odds comparison on the Leinster handicap:
The complete odds on the Leinster handicap:
Betway 1.88 (-7.5)
Gbets 1.91 (-7.5)
Hollywoodbets1.90 (-7.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Leinster outright win therefore we suggest the away team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.88 (-7.5, Gbets 1.91 (-7.5) and Hollywoodbets1.90 (-7.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
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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.