Betting preview: Saracens to remain in European contention

Colin Newboult

Peter O'Mahony of Munster struggles to catch the ball during the Heineken Champions Cup Pool 4 match between Munster Rugby and Saracens at Thomond Park in Limerick, Ireland on December 7, 2019 (Photo by Andrew SURMA / SIPA USA).

Ahead of the action in the European Champions Cup, we take a look at the best bets from two of the big games taking place this weekend.

Saracens v Munster

Following Munster’s narrow win at Thomond Park last weekend, these teams once again do battle, this time at Saracens’ Allianz Park stadium.

As promised, Mark McCall has named a much stronger team than the one which fought so valiantly in Limerick with Owen Farrell, Jamie George, Elliot Daly and the Vunipolas, Mako and Billy, being named in the starting line-up.

It could therefore be a long afternoon for the Irish province, who struggled against a Sarries side that were without several key individuals. McCall’s men are therefore considered heavy favourites for this encounter at 1/4 with Ladbrokes and Coral, while the visitors are 9/2 outsiders (Betfair and Paddy Power).

That is a very tempting bet, however, when you consider Munster’s pedigree in the competition and the hosts’ Premiership concerns, who are focusing on domestic matters after their 35-point deduction, but the Londoners are proud defending champions.

Their returning internationals will also feel like they have something to prove, having barely featured since the Rugby World Cup, and a victory for the home side is a more likely outcome.

That is certainly what the bookmakers feel ahead of the encounter with Saracens a rather short 11/10 with BetVictor to win by 15 points or more. Munster should improve, though, and will be a tough opponent for the three-time winners, which means 9/5 at Betfair for a Sarries triumph by 1-12 points is perhaps a more prudent option.

Connacht v Gloucester

Another Anglo-Irish clash sees Gloucester head to Galway to take on Connacht in what is an important game for both sides. While the winner of the clash will remain in contention for qualification, the loser will effectively see their dreams end.

It was the Cherry and Whites who took the spoils last week, claiming a 26-17 victory at Kingsholm, but the Irish province are similarly strong at their own ground and will fancy their chances on Saturday.

They have been boosted even further by the fact that visiting head coach Johan Ackermann has decided to rotate, leaving the likes of Danny Cipriani on the bench. As a result, Gloucester’s odds have begun to drift with William Hill offering a price of 9/5 for the English outfit to emerge triumphant.

Ackermann’s men should not be discounted, however, with their supposed second choice team almost stunning Montpellier in Round Two. They have plenty of talent out wide and young flyer Louis Rees-Zammit is 12/1 with Bet365 and Sky Bet to touch down first.

Connacht’s wings are favourite to open the game’s try-scoring account, though, with John Porch and Niyi Adeolokun both 9/1 at Sky Bet.

Both teams like to play at a high tempo but the hosts are the recommended option to edge the contest by the bookmakers with the Irishmen 4/7 (Betfair) to claim the win.