Having publicly stated that a full house of predictions was almost guaranteed last week, it wasn’t a huge shock to lose that in the second game of the round, and finish with 7 out of 10. I didn’t think Ulster would beat Clermont, I certainly didn’t expect Glasgow to win at Racing, and I was also let down by Exeter losing at home to Bordeaux.
Could this be a perfect ten in Round 4?
Glasgow v Racing Metro
A stunning win in Paris last weekend, and now with the confidence to back it up at home and leave last year’s runners-up facing elimination at the group stage. Glasgow by 4.
Bordeaux v Exeter
This also produced an Away win in the reverse fixture last weekend, so you have to pick Bordeaux to follow that up with a win at home. Bordeaux by 8.
Leicester v Munster
It will be interesting to see the Tigers’ response after last week’s 38-0 thrashing at Munster, but it feels like too big a stretch for them to turn things around in just a week. Munster by 6.
Toulouse v Zebre
They cut this short last week for fog and mercy, but Toulouse will win this by plenty in 80 minutes. Toulouse by 48.
Connacht v Wasps
I didn’t think Connacht would beat Toulouse in Round 1, but they reminded me how tough they are to beat at home. I’m still leaning towards Wasps in this one though, which could backfire. Wasps by 4.
Leinster v Northampton
This could get ugly. It was ugly enough last weekend, but Saints have now given up on this competition and are unlikely to be at full strength as they prioritise improving their Premiership form. Leinster by 28.
Scarlets v Toulon
The French side know they need to win this to stay alive in the competition, and I think that motivation to go with the all-star lineup will be enough to see off the Scarlets. Toulon by 8.
Castres v Montpellier
Always pick the home team in the all-French affair. Castres by 4.
Clermont v Ulster
I thought the French side would be too strong away, and although I was wrong, I’m definitely picking them to win at home. Clermont by 13.
Sale v Saracens
This is likely to feature an under-strength Sale side, and so their relatively strong home form goes out of the window. Saracens by 23.
Roll on the weekend! Which ones do you disagree with?
Follow Hutch on Twitter: @Hutch_James
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
Interesting that you think Sale will field an understrength team. Is it because they have no chance of qualifying from the pool so won’t bother putting out their strongest team?
Sarries have picked their strongest team (barring Billy V) so I think the gap could be a lot more than 23, based on last weeks scoreline. A lot will depend on the weather I suppose.
I think the only one here that could be wrong is the Connacht v Wasps game. I think Connacht will sneak a win at home, but it will be tight.
I also think if Saints can keep everyone on the pitch, the score could be tighter.