Wasps vs Toulouse
Two European heavyweights clash in this match at the Coventry Arena with the hosts looking for their first win in the competition this season. Wasps had a great win in their last match when they ended the unbeaten run of the Tigers. Toulouse lost to arch rivals Clermont in their last match and will be without captain Anton Dupont for this match. He will be sorely missed as Toulouse have lost four matches this season when he was not in the team. Wasps will welcome back Jacob Umaga but he starts in the 15 jersey and not in his usual flyhalf position.
TIP: Wasps will feel they have their best ever chance of upsetting the defending champions as the French team are missing a few key players. The star of Wasps win last week was Alfie Barbeary and he will no doubt be the key man for them again. His battle with the Toulouse loose trio will be one of the highlights of the match. The French team love to attack from anywhere and the hosts are the same, so we could be in for a very exciting match. The bookies have Toulouse as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.40, Playabets 1.40 and Sunbet 1.38
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Wasps vs Toulouse
- In the last five matches both teams have won two apiece with one draw.
- Toulouse have won the last two matches between these sides.
- Wasps have won two of the three home matches against Toulouse.
Latest results for both teams
Wasps beat Leicester 16-13 in their last match while Toulouse lost 16-13 to Clermont in their last match.
PREDICTION
The home team know that they do not have the power of Toulouse in the forwards so their best chance of victory will be to adopt a ball in hand approach. The French team has shown they struggle without Dupont and will look to Thomas Ramos and Romain Ntamack to provide the attacking spark to the team. They also have the dangerous Matthis Lebel on the wing and if given any space he will find his way to the tryline. Wasps need to be accurate with their kicking as Toulouse have great counter attacking players. I expect the French team to win by 10 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Wasps
5 Jacob Umaga, 14 Ali Crossdale, 13 Paolo Odogwu, 12 Jimmy Gopperth, 11 Josh Bassett, 10 Charlie Atkinson, 9 Sam Wolstenholme, 8 Tom Willis, 7 Brad Shields (c), 6 Alfie Barbeary, 5 James Gaskell, 4 Tim Cardall, 3 Biyi Alo, 2 Tom Cruse, 1 Rodrigo Martinez
Toulouse
15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Juan Cruz Mallía, 13 Sofiane Guitoune, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Matthis Lebel, 10 Romain Ntamack (c), 9 Martin Page Relo, 8 Anthony Jelonch, 7 Alban Placines, 6 Francois Cros, 5 Richie Arnold, 4 Thibaud Flament, 3 Dorian Aldegheri, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Cyril Baille
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Wasps victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.40
Playabets 1.40
Sunbet 1.38
Odds comparison on the Wasps handicap :
The complete odds on the Wasps handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-6.5) 1.91
Sunbet (-6.5) 1.87
Playabets (-6.5) 1.84
Predictions and Odds in details
Toulouse will certainly have the edge at scrum time as Wasps struggled in the scrum against Leicester. Wasps will need their loose trio of Tom Willis, Brad Shields and Alfie Barbeary to be at their very best and prevent Toulouse from getting quick ruck ball. If they can slow the ball at the breakdown then an upset victory could be on the cards. The bookies are offering poor returns on the Toulouse outright win therefore I suggest the away team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-6.5) 1.91, Sunbet (-6.5) 1.87 and Playabets (-6.5) 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.
