European Champions Cup predictions and rugby union tips: Sale should stay close

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

Leinster v Montpellier

Where to watch

BT Sport, 1pm Sunday

Best bet

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

Match preview

Leinster are well rested, close to full strength and above all angry - no wonder bookmakers are expecting a 30-point rout.

Opponents Montpellier were awarded a 28-0 victory from the cancelled reverse fixture in December, but other matches in the same round that could not go ahead were settled as 0-0 draws and Leinster coach Leo Cullen has hit out at the "illogical" ruling.

The upshot is that his side have ground to make up in the qualifying and seeding, and they are unlikely to hold back.

Leinster have not played for five weeks and fly-half Jonny Sexton is fit enough to make the bench for the first time since the autumn internationals.

In the last four seasons Leinster have passed the 30-point mark in seven of their eight home pool matches - the exception was a 29-13 defeat to Toulouse - and they also won 35-14 at Montpellier last season, when the return fixture in Dublin was cancelled.

Montpellier have won their last six in the Top 14 but they have rested some key names and don't travel well so Leinster should make their mark.

Northampton v Ulster

Where to watch

BT Sport, 3.15pm Sunday

Best bet

Northampton to win by one to 12 points
1pt 15-8 Coral, Ladbrokes

Match preview

Ulster are two from two and Northampton nought from two in the pool stage but bookmakers are right to expect another close battle between these familiar rivals.

Ulster came out on top 27-22 in Belfast last month and they have a great record against Premiership sides, having won ten of their last 12 against English clubs.

However, the last six of those have been by seven points or fewer and Ulster are without the injured John Cooney, Stuart McCloskey and captain Iain Henderson.

Neither side are on a great run of form but the Saints will at least be lifted by last weekend's 44-8 success at Newcastle and they can edge this.

Bordeaux v Scarlets

Where to watch

BT Sport, 3.15pm Sunday

Best bet

Scarlets +11
1pt 10-11 Hills

Match preview

This is Scarlets' first match in this season's tournament after their opening two fixtures were called off, while Bordeaux have already suffered a home defeat to Leicester so this game is something of a sideshow.

However, the Welsh outfit could be of interest with a generous double-figure handicap start.

There's plenty of attacking flair in the Scarlets line-up with Jonathan Davies back to skipper the side, and Top 14 leaders Bordeaux have not always put teams away at home.

Clermont v Sale

Where to watch

BT Sport, 5.30pm

Best bet

Sale +10
1pt 10-11 general

Match preview

Sale might sense an opportunity as they are given a ten-point start at French heavyweights Clermont, who have already suffered a rare home defeat in this tournament.

The Sharks still have players missing but both teams' domestic form has been hit and miss. Nine of Sale's 11 Premiership games have been settled by 11 points or fewer and their work ethic can help them keep a lid on their French opponents.

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