Gloucester can edge clash of depleted sides

European Challenge Cup
Sky Sports Action, 7.45pm Thursday

It's pretty much par for the course that the opening fixtures of this year's European Challenge Cup features two much-changed line-ups and a desperately difficult call for punters.

Gloucester travel to Pau having made nine changes to the side who beat Northampton on Saturday, with skipper Will Heinz and full-back Jason Woodward among those rested. Pau retain just three players from the team who beat Oyonnax 19-16 on Saturday, leaving out All Black Conrad Smith and former European Player of the Year Steffon Armitage among others.

Pau returned to this tournament two seasons ago after a ten-year absence but have lost all 12 matches they have played in that time, although they have been competitive in their early home games, losing 25-22 to Bath last season.

It's a horrible contest to get stuck into but at the prices a narrow away win looks a reasonable shout.

Recommendation
Gloucester to win by one to 12 points
1pt 12-5 general

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