Cardiff can edge Ulster to claim fifth successive victory

Cardiff v Ulster
Sky Sports Arena, 3.15pm Saturday
Munster v Scarlets
Sky Sports Arena, 5.30pm Saturday

Time is running out for Cardiff and Ulster - both seemingly locked in fourth place in their Pro14 conferences - and the gap between them and the playoff places may have widened overnight.

There's still no shortage of incentive for either team. Cardiff are playing their final game of the season at the Arms Park, while Ulster have an extra round to make up ground on the top three.

The Blues have won their last four, although their two most recent successes were against Italian sides Zebre and Benetton, while Ulster have not been in action for a month.

The visitors welcome back a bigger international contingent - Ireland skipper Rory Best is still missing but winger Jacob Stockdale, the top tryscorer in the Six Nations, and Iain Henderson start.

But Ulster have won just twice in seven away Pro14 matches, early in the season at Benetton and Kings, and they failed to cover double-figure handicaps both times.

This could be close but Cardiff look to hold the edge at home.

Munster and Scarlets have huge home semi-finals in the European Champions Cup on the horizon and take different approaches for their Thomond Park Pro14 clash.

Saturday Premiership preview

The Irish outfit are without most of their Six Nations Grand Slam stars as they prepare to take on Toulon at home next weekend, while Scarlets, who face La Rochelle in Friday's first quarter-final, bring Wales players Samson Lee, Aaron Shingler, Rhys Patchell and Steff Evans straight into the side.

The hosts are between four and six-point favourites in a tough contest to call.

Ospreys are given a seven-point start for their home meeting with Conference B leaders Leinster (S4C, 7.35pm).

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

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