Saturday's European Champions Cup predictions and rugby union tips

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

Cardiff v Toulouse

Where to watch

BT Sport 2, 1pm Saturday

Match preview

It has been known for some time that this was going to be a mismatch given that Cardiff are without around 40 players and members of backroom staff, most of whom are in quarantine following their return from South Africa.

The Blues have named a side with 11 debutants to face the reigning champions while Toulouse are showing no mercy with a strong side out.

Handicaps of around 30 points were put up following the team announcements and, while Toulouse could well win by twice that margin, they could just as easily take their foot off the gas once five points are banked.

That second possibility might make backing over the points line attractive – Cardiff have nothing to lose and are sure to keep going until the end.

Bordeaux v Leicester

Where to watch

BT Sport 2, 3.15pm Saturday

Best bet

Leicester +8
1pt Evs bet365

Match preview

The leaders in the Top 14 and Premiership standings clash, and judging by the teamsheets, domestic success is the priority for both clubs.

Both teams make ten changes from their starting line-ups for big league games last week, although Leicester retain Ellis Genge, Jasper Wiese and George Ford so it's no second-string side

Two-time winners Leicester reached the final of the Challenge Cup last season and Bordeaux don't have that kind of pedigree although they reached the semi-final for the first time last season.

Backing the Tigers with a start would be only a tentative pick but eight points looks generous given the depth of the Leicester squad.

Leinster v Bath

Where to watch

BT Sport 3, 3.15pm Saturday

Best bet

Leinster to win by 31 to 40 points
1pt 3-1 bet365

Match preview

Bath's performances have deserved more than their Premiership results show, but morale must be low as they sit winless at the bottom of the table and a trip to Leinster looks most unwelcome.

The Irish outfit were runaway winners of the Pro14 last season and are riding high again with six wins out of seven, while nine of their starting line-up to face Bath were in the Ireland team who famously beat the All Blacks last month.

Leinster score big at home – in the last five seasons their European pool matches have averaged 41 points per game – and after falling short at the semi-final stage last season they are sure to want to make a big statement.

Clermont v Ulster

Where to watch

BT Sport 2, 5.30pm Saturday

Best bet

Clermont -4
2pts 10-11 general

Match preview

These teams met in the 2019-20 pool stage, when Ulster won 18-13 at home but Clermont prevailed 29-13 in the return fixture.

Those results underline the contrast between the two. Both are strong at home but Ulster are also adept at grinding out hard-fought wins while Clermont are renowned for their swashbuckling style.

The French outfit played two pool games last season, winning 51-38 at Bristol before going down 39-31 at home to Munster. They have won their last five home matches in the Top 14, averaging 32 points per game, and can overcome what appears a modest handicap.

Exeter v Montpellier

Where to watch

BT Sport 2, 8pm Saturday

Best bet

L Cowan-Dickie to score first try
1pt each-way 8-1 Paddy Power

Match preview

Montpellier beat Leicester at Twickenham last season to lift the European Challenge Cup but their ambitions appear more limited this season as they have left a host of star names at home for their opening Champions Cup clash at Exeter.

Just three starters from last week's home win over Perpignan will take to the field at Sandy Park, and although Montpellier sit third in the Top 14, they are offered a handicap start of around 30 points.

Exeter share their tries around and forwards Sam Simmonds and Luke Cowan-Dickie are both odds on to cross the line.

Cowan-Dickie is captaining the side and is a key part of their line-out catch-and-drive which has been so successful, so he could be a worthwhile first-tryscorer pick.

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