European Champions Cup rugby: match previews and best bets for Sunday's matches

Free rugby union tips, best bets and analysis for Sunday's European Champions Cup games.

Montpellier v Gloucester

Where to watch

BT Sport 2, 3.15pm Sunday

Best bet

Montpellier -11
2pts 10-11 Betfair, Paddy Power

Match preview

Gloucester could not find a way to close out victory against strong French opposition last weekend and they look set to face more of the same in ­Montpellier.

The Cherry & Whites were 20-9 up at half-time against Toulouse last weekend but were overturned 25-20 and came off second-best in terms of territory and possession.

Montpellier should have seen off Connacht last week and have won their last five European home matches since Exeter came away with a 27-24 victory two years ago.

A heavyweight pack can put Montpellier on the front foot and unleash the finishing power of Nemani Nadolo.

Gloucester needed two length-of-the-pitch tries to leave Toulouse playing catch-up, and if they come under early pressure the hosts could pull away.

Sale v La Rochelle

Where to watch

BT Sport 2, 1pm

Best bet

Sale to win by one to 12 points
1pt 15-8 Betfair

Match preview

A narrow defeat to Glasgow last week was a disappointing start to the European season for Sale, but they should have more of a spring in their step today with nine changes to their side.

Scrum-half Faf de Klerk and flanker Tom Curry, who were on opposing sides in the Rugby World Cup final, make their first appearances of the season for the Sharks while dangerous wingers Denny Solomona and Chris Ashton also get starts.

So long as the new arrivals click they should turn in a decent attacking performance against La Rochelle, who could not live with the ambition of Exeter at home last weekend.

Defeat at home, especially for a club like La Rochelle who had won their previous nine, might prompt some French clubs to throw in the towel.

But Les Corsaires have not given their line-up a massive overhaul and retain a strong core of first-teamers. One key change is at fly-half where the experienced Brock James comes in for Kiwi Ihaia West.

Sale are 12-point favourites and that could prove a big margin against a solid physical team. A home win by less than that mark looks a better bet.

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