Leicester vs Connacht
The Tigers are unbeaten this season winning 13 consecutive matches across all competitions. This is their best ever start to a season and this was evident when they beat Bordeaux away in France. Connacht are also doing very well this season with just one loss in their last four matches. The Tigers have chosen to rest international stars George Ford and Ellis Genge. It is interesting to note that both these players are leaving at the end of the season and now find themselves out of the matchday squad. This could be a Tigers plan to test their squad depth after these two players departure.
TIP: The Connacht team will fancy their chances against a Tigers team missing a few first team regulars. They of course rely heavily on their playmaker Jack Carty and when he has a good game then Connacht generally win. His biggest issue throughout his career has been consistency. The Tigers have proven to be miserly in defence and their win last week was built on solid defence. I don’t expect them to be so defensive this week as it is a home match. . The bookies have the Tigers as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.25, Playabets 1.25 and Sunbet 1.24
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Leicester vs Connacht
- These teams have only met once before with the Tigers winning 48-32 at home.
Latest results for both teams
Leicester beat Bordeaux 16-13 in their last match while Connacht beat St Francais 36-9 in their last match.
PREDICTION
This match will come down to the battle of the forwards and judging by the recent matches the Tigers hold the edge in this department. Their missing players will make a difference and if Connacht can find a way to penetrate the Tigers defence we could see a very close match. The absence of Ford will be crucial as he is the general of the team deciding when to kick and when to run. Connacht have their star Bundee Aki back for this match and he will be key to getting them over the advantage line. I predict a close match with the Tigers winning by four points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Leicester
15 Bryce Hegarty, 14 Freddie Steward, 13 Matt Scott, 12 Dan Kelly, 11 Hosea Saumaki, 10 Freddie Burns, 9 Ben Youngs (c), 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Tommy Reffell, 6 George Martin, 5 Eli Snyman, 4 Harry Wells, 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Nic Dolly, 1 Nephi Leatigaga
Connacht
15 Tiernan O’Halloran, 14 John Porch, 13 Sam Arnold, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Alex Wootton, 10 Jack Carty (c), 9 Kieran Marmion, 8 Jarrad Butler, 7 Conor Oliver, 6 Cian Prendergast, 5 Niall Murray, 4 Ultan Dillane, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 David Heffernan, 1 Matthew Burke
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Leicester Tigers victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.25
Playabets 1.25
Sunbet 1.24
Odds comparison on the Connacht handicap :
The complete odds on the Connacht handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+9.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+9.5) 1.88
Playabets (+9.5) 1.87
Predictions and Odds in details
Connacht and the Tigers have very contrasting playing styles with the visitors playing an open and fast game while the Tigers use the slow poison method of dominating their opponents in the forwards. The Tigers biggest attacking weapon is their rolling maul and if Connacht can defend the maul they could be in for a upset victory. There are poor returns on the Tigers outright victory therefore 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) 1.88 and Playabets (+9.5) 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.
