Hollywoodbets are offering Boosted Odds on the Match Result market of selected matches in Round 4 of the Champions Cup. Read on to find out which fixtures have Boosted Odds.
Harlequins v Castres – Champions Cup Round 4
The log leaders Quins should make it 4/4 on Friday with Castres seemingly out of contention for a top 8 finish. The home side were once again leaving their fans on tender hooks in the closing stages scoring an injury time penalty to edge out Cardiff 33-36.
Castres were narrow losers last week losing by the same margin of 3 to Munster in France. With some team news announced both sides have opted to make and 9 and 6 changes respectively to their starting XV’s.
The weather forecast is mostly sunny, Mike Adamson from Scotland is the referee.
Patchy’s Pick
I can’t remember last when Quins managed to cover a minus handicap and think this Friday night is no exception.
The only reason I won’t be lining this up as my best bet is the worry that French teams tend to be somewhat wayward on their travels, so 3 Units on Castres plus 15.5 points is the call with a possibility of a little more before game time.
Bath v Leinster – Champions Cup Round 4
Bath appeared to be heading for another huge defeat at La Rochelle in their last run out but somehow managed to score three quick tries in the second half in a matter of minutes to gain some respectability to the score line. However, with their appearances in the Champions Cup this season all but over, it would need a monumental effort to cause an upset against Leinster on Saturday afternoon.
The Irish side were in no mood for mercy as they scored 13 tries against a completely uninterested Montpellier last week in Dublin. They should expect a tougher match here, though, they are still huge favourites to pick up all 5 points.
Saturday’s weather is partly cloudy and the referee is Italian Andrea Piardi.
Patchy’s Pick
Bath have a horrible record against Irish sides in general but did beat Leinster way back in the 2015/16 season, much will depend here on both sides’ focus, but I do feel that Bath can beat the handicap of plus 25.5 points, which seems a little large and is worth 2 Units.
Toulouse v Cardiff – Champions Cup Round 4
The current champions Toulouse were ambushed in spectacular fashion last week in Coventry, and while it appeared to be an off day for the French it still came as a huge shock.
Cardiff arrive after pushing Harlequins all the way with a much-reinforced side last week and should prove a harder test for Toulouse this time around after losing 7-39 in Round 1.
Patchy’s Pick
With a number of players having tested positive, it’s doubtful this match will go ahead.
Leicester v Bordeaux – Champions Cup Round 4 (Boosted Odds on Match Result market)
This should be a cracker with the French side looking particularly impressive in their win 45-10 win over Scarlets and Leicester’s last gasp try to beat Connacht.
The Tigers hold the edge so far winning 13-16 in Bordeaux in Round 1 and I think we could be in for another close game once again.
Patchy’s Pick
Expecting a low scoring game and will look to go unders anywhere from 45.5 and under.
As far as the match is concerned, I feel Bordeaux could spring a small surprise and claim a vital victory so a handicap of plus 8.5 points has me licking my chops at the prospect, 4 Units plus 8.5 points is a confident call.
Scarlets v Bristol – Champions Cup Round 4 (Boosted Odds on Match Result market)
The hosts were most disappointing in France last weekend and were “never at the races”. A lack of game time appears to be one of the reasons but overall it was very poor from them. Back home they should improve and with another run under their belt they could begin to improve again.
The Bears have won their last 2 matches including a 4 try bonus point win against Stade last week and a 32-15 win over Sale in early January in the Premiership. Overcast conditions are expected and the referee is Frenchman Mathieu Raynal.
Patchy’s Pick
The hosts were so poor last week it’s hard to make a case for them though they could easily improve massively back at home. Meanwhile can the Bears be trusted ? It’s a no bet for now.
Ulster v Clermont – Champions Cup Round 4 (Boosted Odds on Match Result market)
Ulster landed our best bet last weekend when beating the Saints 20-24 at Franklin Gardens. It was a good win and are a fair side this year. They host Clermont whom they beat away in France in Round 1 and a potential 4th win in a row is in the cards.
It hasn’t been a great season so far for Clermont despite their pedigree, they are 7th in the Top 14. However, they beat Sale in an entertaining match last week and unlike most French sides can win on the road. Patches of drizzle are possible and the ref in charge is Luke Pearce.
Patchy’s Pick
Ulster are an excellent side alright and are showing plenty of consistency.
The handicap though is a little high for me and, as a result, just a small 1 Unit bet on Clermont plus 6.5 points is suggested as they are still a very good Champions Cup side.
Glasgow v La Rochelle – Champions Cup Round 4 (Boosted Odds on Match Result market)
The final game for Saturday is managed by King Karl Dickson a renowned unders ref who, of late, is beginning to rally against that claim with some higher scoring matches.
Despite putting up a good fight in the first half against Exeter last week, Glasgow were blown away after the break conceding 6 tries and scoring just one. They’re a better team than that but unfortunately for them Exeter were simply outstanding in that 40 minutes.
La Rochelle were made to work harder than expected when these two met in Round 1. Glasgow find themselves as narrow favourites and the market looks right. For now though no bet.
Sale v Ospreys – Champions Cup Round 4
Sale should have picked up a 4 try win when these two met in mid-December but appear comfortable to make the last 16. They were very good last week and showed, that when on song, they will be contenders.
Ospreys showed improvement last week against Racing but should be held here.
Patchy’s Pick
With the handicap as high as 19 in places one presumes that Ospreys will be sending a weak side. It’s a large cap especially as Sale are a team that can battle to cover large spreads.
However, it would take a brave man to go with the visitors and as a result I would prefer to go unders on the Ospreys points once the market is published, if in the region of 13.5 points.
Stade v Connacht – Champions Cup Round 4 (Boosted Odds on Match Result market)
Connacht continue to improve under coach Andy Friend and were most unlucky losers against Leicester last week. I must admit they’re a side I don’t catch right very often and I always get a little nervous when the money is down either with them or against them. Stade showed no interest in the reverse fixture losing 36-9 but were better last week against Bristol.
With the French side expected to be tougher to break down at home, the current markets have them as slight favourites.
Cloudy conditions expected and Wayne Barnes in charge.
Patchy’s Pick
Go with 3 units on Stade de Francois in the Match Result market, with Boosted Odds available on Hollywoodbets.
Munster v Wasps – Champions Cup Round 4
Munster were not at their best but still managed a scrappy win in Castres last week. They’re safe for the last 16 but potentially have a banana skin in the shape of Wasps who can have their qualification confirmed by picking up a point here.
Conditions will be cloudy and French referee Tual Trainini is in charge of the whistle.
Patchy’s Pick
With two wins against good opposition Wasps can make it three in a row here. Their defence has been outstanding and there is a new-found spring in their step. I find the plus 11.5 points handicap most appealing and suggest 3 Units.
Racing v Northampton – Champions Cup Round 4
The Saints still have a mathematical chance of qualifying to the last 16 but have an almighty task here to overturn Racing who head Group A. Who can forget the demolition job handed out by Racing at Franklin Gardens in Round 1? However, it’s hard to think that will happen again (though it shouldn’t be ruled out).
It’s Georgian Nika Amashukeli in charge and they play indoors.
Patchy’s Pick
The bookies are taking no chances with a handicap of 21 points.
However, I feel the Saints will want to attempt at least to avenge their heavy defeat at home to Racing and feel Northampton plus 21.5 points for 2.5 Units is a decent shout.
Montpellier v Exeter – Champions Cup Round 4
And finally, the last game of the weekend features Montpellier at home to visiting Exeter.
Montpellier were embarrassing last week as they seemed to have announced a squad of players from the supporter’s club and the walking wounded from the infirmary. It’s possible that they will try and make a game of it here against Exeter who seem to be gathering a lot of momentum.
The visitors are safe with regard to qualifying whilst, unbelievably, Montpellier still have a small chance of qualifying themselves.
Patchy’s Pick
This game could prove fruitful and team selections are hugely important. I could see the Saints making a game of it and will wait until pulling the trigger.
Enjoy the weekend and feel free to interact with me on Twitter @BrenHbetsnet
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