Newport Gwent Dragons vs Benetton Treviso
This encounter probably won’t get too many pulses racing. The home side should be strong enough to win the game with something to spare, and in doing so, leapfrog Edinburgh into 9th place. Treviso travel poorly and rarely win away from home, so a Dragons victory is a pretty solid bet despite their patchy form. Newport Gwent Dragons by 12.

Leinster vs Zebre
This must be the easiest of the Pro12 games to call this week. Leinster are unlikely to field their strongest line-up against a struggling Zebre, but this will make no difference to the result. Expect a dominant performance from the Leinster pack and a very comfortable bonus point win. Leinster by 41.

Scarlets vs Ulster
For me, this is the game of the round. Much will depend on team selection, and in particular who Les Kiss decides should be in the Ulster match day squad. The visitors could have an edge up front, but the Scarlets have a real nose for the try-line and will keep the scoreboard ticking along at every opportunity. Neither side has found any consistency in their results on the road, whereas on their own patch both are difficult to beat; for that reason a narrow home win seems most likely. Scarlets by 3.

Ospreys vs Connacht
Ospreys are in great form right now, having won their last four Pro12 games in addition to their European victories. They are not just winning; they’re winning well. Connacht’s form continues to be mixed, and they will have been disappointed with their recent defeats to Ulster and Munster. With Munster playing their re-arranged European game with Racing 92 this weekend, Ospreys could go top of the table with a win against their Irish visitors. I don’t expect them to pass up this opportunity. Ospreys by 9.

Glasgow Warriors vs Cardiff Blues
Glasgow’s recent results have pushed them back in to top four contention. They will feel this is another important game to win given the drain on their playing resources come the Six Nations next month. The Blues early season consistency has deserted them somewhat, and they will need a huge performance if they hope to repeat their 23-19 victory over the Warriors from September.
Both sides are used to the artificial surface, and it has the potential to be a free-flowing game. With a slight advantage up front and a strong cutting edge in the backs, I’m taking Glasgow to win in a high scoring encounter. Glasgow Warriors by 5.

The Munster v Edinburgh match has been postponed, with the rescheduled Champions Cup match between Racing Metro and Munster taking place this weekend.

By Keith Mackenzie
Follow Keith on Twitter: @Keith_Mack7