Heineken Champions Cup: Round 4 Predictions

My 10 out of 12 last weekend was slightly better than the community average, but only one match was picked by less than 50% of the community, so it feels like a missed GSP opportunity.

This weekend sees the last of the group stage games before the knockout tournament begins.

Here are my Heineken Champions Cup Predictions for Round 4.

Leicester v Ospreys

It was a stunning win in France for the Tigers last weekend, and they should follow that up with a comfortable win at home to the Ospreys. Leicester by 18

Lyon v Bulls

Nearly everyone will pick the Bulls here, but I’m going for the French side at home. Lyon by 4

Harlequins v Sharks

The General is very excited to have the Sharks in London, but I suspect they’ll go home in defeat from the Stoop. Harlequins by 6

Northampton v La Rochelle

Normally I’d be wary of picking a French team away from home, but the Saints are down and out and if La Rochelle can win at Ulster, they can win at Franklins Gardens too. La Rochelle by 7

Bordeaux v Gloucester

Gloucester won the reverse fixture in December, but with home advantage, Bordeaux are the likely winners here. Bordeaux by 8

Leinster v Racing 92

The Irish side are looking unstoppable this season, and this should be another home win at the RDS. Leinster by 13

Stormers v Clermont

Clermont beat the Stormers at their home ground, but Cape Town is a long way from home and this should be a victory for the Stormers. Stormers by 13

Exeter v Castres

This one is only going one way, with Castres having given up in this tournament. Exeter by 23

Ulster v Sale

Sale thrashed Ulster in the opening round, but neither has managed a win since then, and with home advantage, I’m backing Ulster to take this one. Ulster by 4

Montpellier v London Irish

This will be a win for the French side, with London Irish already out of the tournament. Montpellier by 23

Toulouse v Munster

This should be the highlight of the weekend, with Munster out for revenge after losing the reverse fixture at Thomond Park. I suspect the French team will be too strong given Munster’s form this season, but don’t rule out a famous upset here. Toulouse by 8

Edinburgh v Saracens

Saracens are clearly intent on returning to the top of the European game, and whilst this will be a tough fixture and something a preview of England v Scotland in the Six Nations, I’m backing the English side. Saracens by 4