Clermont vs Leicester
Clermont will be out for revenge in this match after losing the reverse fixture to Leicester Tigers in December. The home side cannot afford another loss if they are to progress to the knockout stages of the competition. Both teams have been besieged with injuries but Clermont will be counting on their passionate supporters to carry them to victory. The Tigers have suffered heavy losses in their last two matches which were both away games. It does not bode well for them as they visit one of the most difficult grounds in Europe.
TIP: The French team were on a three game losing streak but will be glad that they ended that run with victory in their last match. The visitors can secure their spot in the next stage if they can win this match. Interim Head Coach Richard Wigglesworth will require Leicester to rekindle the form that made them the champions of England last year otherwise his coaching stint could be a short one. The bookies have Clermont as favourites and I am also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.50, Playabets 1.57 and Sunbet 1.48
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Clermont vs Leicester
- Leicester have won the last three matches between the sides.
- Clermont have only won one of the last five matches between the sides.
Latest results for both teams
Clermont beat Perpignan 31-20 in their last match while Leicester lost 45-26 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Clermont have always proven mighty difficult to beat at home especially in European competitions but they will be missing players like Damian Penaud and Kotaro Matsushima who are both great attackers while Leicester also have some key players like Julian Montoya and Jasper Wiese out. The home team love to run the ball and have one of the best wingers in Europe in Fijian born Alivereti Raka. The visitors have struggled in the scrums in recent matches and will again be severely tested by veteran French international Rabah Slimani. If the Tigers are to have any chance of causing an upset, they will need to match the French side in the forwards. I am predicting a Clermont win by more than 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Clermont
Clermont: 15 Alex Newsome, 14 Bautista Delguy, 13 Cheikh Tiberghien, 12 Irae Simone, 11 Alivereti Raka, 10 Anthony Belleau, 9 Baptiste Jauneau, 8 Fritz Lee (c), 7 Alexandre Fischer, 6 Judicael Cancoriet, 5 Miles Amatosero, 4 Paul Jedrasiak, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Adrien Pelissie, 1 Daniel Bibi Biziwu
Leicester Tigers
15 Charlie Atkinson, 14 Freddie Steward, 13 Matt Scott, 12 Dan Kelly, 11 Harry Simmons, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Ben Youngs (c), 8 Sean Jansen, 7 Tommy Reffell, 6 Ollie Chessum, 5 Cameron Henderson, 4 Harry Wells, 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Charlie Clare, 1 James Whitcombe
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Clermont victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.50
Playabets 1.57
Sunbet 1.48
Odds comparison on the Clermont handicap:
The complete odds on the Clermont handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-4.5) 1.89
Playabets (-4.5) 1.84
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns of the Clermont outright victory therefore we suggest the home side on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-4.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-4.5) 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.
