Exeter Chiefs vs Montpellier
11th December 2000hrs
Rugby – England – European Champions Cup
Pick Montellier +18 handicap
Bookmaker Betfair
Odds: 10/11 odds taken 11:32 GMT on December 9th, 2021
The 2019 European Championship Cup winners Exeter will start their latest campaign in the competition on Saturday.
They have a home advantage at Sandy Park first up as they play host to French side Montpellier.
The Chiefs, after taking a big morale-boosting Premiership win over rivals Saracens last weekend, are red-hot favourites for this one.
Table of Contents
Exeter Chiefs Preview – Chiefs to rule at Sandy Park
Home advantage is always a nice thing to start any European Championship campaign and that’s what Exeter have.
On Saturday they play host to Montpellier in the opening foray.
Exeter are big favourites for this home match, currently trading at 1/14 odds-on in the match outright for rugby betting* (odds recorded 11:32 GMT on December 9th, 2021).
It has not been the most straightforward of seasons by the Chiefs.
They have already lost four times in this seasons’ Premiership but have responded to back to back successes in the top flight.
Last weekend they survived a big test, edging rivals Saracens at Sandy Park.
It had the feeling of being a turning point in Exeter’s season.
They will be hoping for a longer campaign in this seasons’ European Champions Cup having bowed out in their title defence last season in the quarter-finals.
It was a home loss against Leinster that ended their campaign.
Exeter have met Montpellier before in Europe, as they squared off in the 2010/11 Challenge Cup, and in the 2017/18 Champions Cup.
The head to head stands even at two wins each, Exeter’s successes happening in both previous Champions Cup meetings.
Exeter are currently undefeated in their last five European Championship Cup pool stage matches at home.
Despite their early exit, Exeter were the second-highest try scorers in last season’s Champions Cup behind Racing 92 only.
An Exeter -19 handicap for European Champions Cup rugby betting is at 10/11* (odds recorded 11:32 GMT on December 9th, 2021).
Montpellier Preview – Can French visitors spring a surprise?
There was a big success for Montpellier last season in Europe as they were crowned Challenge Cup winners.
They got the better of Leicester Tigers in a thrilling finale at Twickenham.
That was the second time in their history of landing the Challenge Cup.
Can they follow up immediately by going all the way and landing the Champions Cup this season?
That doesn’t look too likely.
Only one team has ever managed that feat, and that was Wasps who actually pulled it off twice.
In the match outright for rugby betting, the win for Montpellier is a long 7/1 quote* (odds recorded 11:32 GMT on December 9th, 2021).
They do arrive in fairly good spirits however, having put together a run streak of winning form in the Top 14.
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Montpellier Herault have won their last five league matches and there have been victories over Racing 92, Castes and Stade Francais in that run.
In two of those five victories, they kept the opposition to single figures on the scoreboard.
So that doe offer something interesting.
But a closer examination of Montpellier’s away form is definitely needed as it doesn’t look great.
They have won two of their last eight matches away from home in the Top 14 (D1 L5).
Granted those have been recent back to back wins, but still.
This is no easy return to Sandy Park for the French side.
Exeter Chiefs vs Montpellier Betting Advice
The last time that Montpellier went to Sandy Park they were humiliated in a 41-10 thumping at the hands of the Chiefs.
We don’t imagine that the scoreboard is going to result in any kind of margin as wide as that.
But Exeter should have the power and control at home to take this but the Montpellier +18 has bigger appeal at 10/11 odds* (odds recorded 11:32 GMT on December 9th, 2021).
Key Facts – Exeter Chiefs vs Montpellier Betting Tip
- Exeter Chiefs are W2 L2 in their four previous matches against Montpellier
- Exeter Chiefs won the two previous Champions Cup meetings with Montpellier
- Montpellier have won their last five matches in all competitions
Even though there has been a general lack of momentum from Exeter this season, they should be good enough at home to take this.
They’ve won their last five pool stage matches there and can do enough for success.
An Exeter 11-20 winning margin may be worth nudging towards at 12/5* (odds recorded 11:32 GMT on December 9th, 2021)
The best betting odds for Exeter Chiefs vs Montpellier
Exeter Chiefs to win: 1/14 at Bet365
Draw: 33/1 at Bet365
Montpellier to win: 7/1 at Bet365
