La Rochelle vs Saracens
La Rochelle will put their title on the line when they face former champions Saracens in this quarter final encounter. Both teams will be looking to make better starts than they did in the previous rounds as they needed come from behind victories to get through. The home team left it late in their match against Gloucester and required a Teddy Thomas try in the closing minutes to snatch the win 29-26 while Saracens eventually won their match 35-20 but the scoreline does not reflect the close nature of the match. There will need to be a marked improvement in both sides defence.
TIP: The champions are usually clinical in both attack and defence but injuries to some key players like Dilan Leyds has blunted their effectiveness in attack while Saracens have a full strength team which should ensure a close contest. The match will be decided in the forwards and the home team look to have the edge in this department. The visitors have the smaller pack but they have mobility on their side should the game open up. The bookies have La Rochelle as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.40, Gbets 1.37 and Hollywoodbets 1.38
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
La Rochelle vs Saracens
- This is the first ever meeting between these sides in Europe.
Latest results for both teams
La Rochelle beat Gloucester 29-26 in their last match while Saracens beat the Ospreys 35-20 in their last match.
PREDICTION
We have seen a new Saracens team this year, a side that loves to attack from anywhere on the field while La Rochelle seem to have gone into their shells on attack. It remains to be seen if the visitors have the confidence to play the running game against a team that can be deadly on turnover ball. One of the highlights in the match will be the contest between the two eighth men, Grégory Alldritt and Billy Vunipola. The Frenchmen is in the form of his life while the Englishmen needs to have a storming game to have any chance of a national team call up. La Rochelle have too much firepower therefore I predict a home win by more than 8 points
Probable Starting XVs
La Rochelle
15 Brice Dulin, 14 Jules Favre, 13 UJ Seuteni, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Antoine Hastoy, 9 Tawera Kerr Barlow, 8 Grégory Alldritt (c), 7 Levani Botia, 6 Ultan Dillane, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Thomas Lavault, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Pierre Bourgarit, 1 Reda Wardi
Saracens
15 Alex Goode, 14 Max Malins, 13 Alex Lozowski, 12 Nick Tompkins, 11 Sean Maitland, 10 Owen Farrell (c), 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Ben Earl, 6 Nick Isiekwe, 5 Hugh Tizard, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Marco Riccioni, 2 Jamie George, 1 Mako Vunipola
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the La Rochelle victory are as follows:
Betway 1.40
Gbets 1.37
Hollywoodbets 1.38
Odds comparison on the La Rochelle handicap:
The complete odds on the La Rochelle handicap:
Betway 1.85 (-6.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-6.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-6.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are decent returns on the La Rochelle outright win but if you looking for better odds then we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (-6.5), Gbets 1.90 (-6.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-6.5)
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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.
