Harlequins v Ulster betting preview, free tips & analysis

Free rugby union tips, best bets and analysis for Harlequins v Ulster in the European Champions Cup.

Where to watch

BT Sport 2, 7.45pm Friday

Best bets

Ulster -4
1pt 10-11 Ladbrokes

Racing 92 to win by 31-40 points
1pt 3-1 Ladbrokes

Match preview

Ulster supporters have had their nerves tested by their team this season - last weekend's 25-24 win over Harlequins was their second one-point victory in three Champions Cup pool matches - but they can win the return fixture more convincingly.

John Cooney was once again the hero with a match-winning penalty in the closing stages following his crucial tries in the opening two rounds against Bath and Clermont.

Dan MacFarland has a settled side and a win at the Stoop would put them in a strong position going into the final two rounds of the pool stage.

Harlequins could still force their way into the knockout stages if they win but coach Paul Gustard has made the decision to rest a number of key players such as Chris Robshaw and Danny Care.

Quins have crucial Premiership fixtures against Wasps and Leicester to come over the festive period and this may well have played into his thinking.

Ulster won on their last visit to the Stoop, a 17-5 victory in December 2017, and with Clermont likely to take maximum points against Bath on Sunday, a victory is imperative ahead of the trip to France in January.

Elsewhere, Racing 92 are heavy favourites to beat an injury-ravaged Ospreys outfit in Paris and remain clear of Munster in Pool 4.

Having won 40-19 in Swansea last weekend, a greater margin of victory is expected for the Parisians who have won their last eight home matches.

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