Racing vs Harlequins
Two teams that are struggling clash in this encounter when Racing welcomes Harlequins to the Paris La Defense Arena. The home team are without a victory in their last five matches with four losses and a draw. They have also lost their opening two matches in this competition and they know another loss will see them eliminated in the league phase. Harlequins have not fared much better recently, winning just once in their last five matches, the lone victory coming against their opposition in this match in the reverse fixture.
TIP: The return of Marcus Smith will be a huge boost for Quins as he is the heartbeat of this team especially in attack. His return along with Joe Marler and Stephan Lewies will give the visitors plenty of confidence of winning this match. Racing92 need to regain the form they have shown in recent editions of this competition when they twice reached the finals. The bookies have Racing92 as favourites and I am also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.25 Playabets 1.27 and Sunbet 1.22
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Racing vs Harlequins
- Harlequins have won three of the previous four matches against Racing92
- Racing92 lost their only previous home match against Quins 32-8.
Latest results for both teams
Racing lost 17-12 against Montpellier in their last match while Harlequins lost 24-16 to Sale Sharks in their last match.
PREDICTION
Both teams play an attacking brand of rugby so there is sure to be loads of running rugby. The two best flyhalves in Europe will go head to head when Finn Russell faces up to Smith. This will be the definite highlight of the match and the pivot that can better link up their potent backline, possibly winning the match for their team. The battle in the scrums will be titanic with the French side possessing the more powerful front row. The home team will be looking to get their dangerous back three more involved in the game as they can be lethal when given any space. I am predicting a home win by more than 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Racing 92
15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Donovan Taofifenua, 13 Francis Saili, 12 Gael Fickou (c), 11 Juan Imhoff, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Nolann Le Garrec, 8 Maxime Baudonne, 7 Baptiste Chouzenoux, 6 Ibrahim Diallo, 5 Boris Palu, 4 Cameron Woki, 3 Cedate Gomes Sa, 2 Camille Chat, 1 Guram Gogichashvili
Harlequins
15 Nick David, 14 Cadan Murley, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Aaron Morris, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Danny Care, 8 Alex Dombrandt (c), 7 Will Evans, 6 Luke Wallace, 5 Irne Herbst, 4 Stephan Lewies, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 George Head, 1 Joe Marler
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Racing92 victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.25
Playabets 1.27
Sunbet 1.22
Odds comparison on the Racing handicap:
The complete odds on the Racing handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-9.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-9.5) 1.89
Playabets (-9.5) 1.84
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Racing outright win but for better odds I suggest the away team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-9.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-9.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-9.5) 1.84
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.
