Gloucester vs Sharks
The Tottenham Stadium in London is the venue for the Challenge Cup final as the Sharks and Gloucester meet in the final. This is the first ever match between the sides and it’s the also the South African teams first ever European final. The Sharks were dealt a severe blow when it was revealed that Captain Lukhanyo Am was ruled out of the final due to a shoulder injury. Gloucester have no serious injury worries ahead of the final. The obvious strength of the Sharks is their pack of forwards and it will be interesting to see the squad the English team select as their first XV.
TIP: In the semi-final Gloucester selected a weakened front row and left their best props to come on in the second half and the tactic worked like a charm as they completely decimated the Benetton pack in the last quarter. It will be risky to put a second-string front row against the all Springbok front row of Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi and Ox Nche. The bookies have the Sharks as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.65, SoccerShop 1.65 and Bettabets 1.65
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Gloucester vs Sharks
- This is the first ever match between the sides.
Latest results for both teams
Gloucester beat Newcastle 54-14 in their last match while the Sharks lost 36-14 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Both these teams have had woeful seasons in their respective leagues, so winning this title is their only chance of getting into the Champions Cup next season. The Sharks have shown a remarkable upturn in fortunes in the latter stages of the season thanks in the main to new flyhalf Siya Masuku. He has won four MOTM awards during that period, including in the semi-final. The Sharks team overturned a 13 point deficit in the last quarter. Gloucester will again be looking to their talisman Zach Mercer for inspiration as the eighth has been in superb form all season. The power of the Sharks pack will see them to victory by 8 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Gloucester
15 Josh Hathaway, 14 Jonny May, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Ollie Thorley, 10 Adam Hastings, 9 Caolan Englefiled, 8 Zach Mercer, 7 Lewis Ludlow (captain), 6 Ruan Ackermann, 5 Freddie Thomas, 4 Freddie Clarke, 3 Kirill Gotovtsev, 2 Seb Blake, 1 Mayco Vivas.
Sharks
Aphelele Fassi, Werner Kok, Lukhanyo Am, Ethan Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku, Grant Williams, Phepsi Buthelezi, Vincent Tshituka, James Venter, Emile van Heerden, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Sharks victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.65
SoccerShop 1.65
Bettabets 1.65
Odds comparison on the Sharks handicap:
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (-3.5)
SoccerShop 1.87 (-3.5)
Bettabets 1.89 (-3.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Sharks outright win therefore we suggest backing them on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.90 (-3.5), SoccerShop 1.87 (-3.5) and Bettabets 1.89 (-3.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Sale Sharks vs Leicester Tigers
Newcastle vs Bath
Scarlets vs Ulster
Leinster vs Ospreys
Bristol vs Saracens
Exeter vs Harlequins
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.
