Defence to the fore as troubled Leicester Tigers take on Racing

Racing 92 v Leicester

BT Sport 2, 3.15pm Sunday

It's no secret that the season isn't going well for Leicester, who lost their sixth Premiership match of the season last weekend at Bristol, where they had gone off as three-point favourites but went down 41-10.

That scoreline is pretty eye-catching, but so is the 18-point handicap start handed to the Tigers in Paris, where they take on last season's European runners-up Racing.

It seems a huge figure but they were comprehensively outplayed and outscored by four tries to one against Bristol and it's hard to dismiss that as a one-off, and it's also hard to see what is going to turn around their performances.

Racing have shown the kind of all-round game that is needed to thrive in Europe, grinding out a narrow win on the road against Scarlets, then turning on the style to see off Ulster 44-12.

With an exciting back three of Brice Dulin, Simon Zebo and Juan Imhoff, Racing could cut loose again. But in times of difficulty teams often respond by battening down the hatches and playing a high-intensity defensive game.

Racing look to have too much and relish playing at home and a winning margin in the teens looks about right.

Recommendation
Racing 92 to win by 11 to 20 points
1pt 13-5 Betfair

Munster v Castres

BT Sport 2, 1pm Sunday

When you combine Munster's formidable record at their Thomond Park fortress and Castres' pretty hopeless away form it quickly adds up to a handicap in the high teens.

Mid-table Castres beat Exeter at home last time out in this tournament but defeat at Gloucester in round one took their road record to just four wins in 41 European assignments over the years.

Munster are in a strong position in pool two but will target a bonus-point win in the home leg of this double-header. The team is strengthened by the return of internationals Joey Carbery at fly-half and CJ Stander at number eight.

Only Glasgow have troubled Munster at home in the Pro14, going down by a single point, and the Irish side have run in six, seven, nine and eight tries in their other four home wins. This could be another one-sided contest against a Castres team who have made six changes and may lose interest if Munster get on top early.

Recommendation
Munster -17
2pts Evs Hills

Saracens v Cardiff

BT Sport 3, 1pm Sunday

Things are on the up and up for Saracens, who welcomed back their star names from international duty and now have prop Mako Vunipola fit again too.

Victory over Wasps last week combined with defeat for Exeter put them top of the Premiership table and they are the shortest-priced of today's three home favourites.

Sarries were mighty impressive in their latest victory, denying free-scoring Wasps a try and showing trademark patience to wear down their opponents. The half-time score was 9-3 and Saracens scored their two tries in the final quarter to win 29-6.

That patience may be tested again by a hard-working Cardiff side who haven't put many wins on the board this season but rarely get blown away. Certainly they can stay in touch by the break

Recommendation
Cardiff +11 on first-half handicap
1pt 10-11 BoyleSports, Hills

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