European Champions Cup Rugby Preview – 7.45 pm kick off
This is going to be one to keep an eye on without question. It is a battle for top spot in Pool 5 of the European Champions Cup. It is simply a matter of winner takes all for the top spot. There’s a chance that Edinburgh could squeeze through one of the best second-placed teams if they were to lose though.
Edinburgh v Montpellier odds*
Edinburgh 4/7
Montpellier 6/4
Draw 22/1
* (betting odds taken from bet365 on January 17th, 2019 at 1:24 pm)
Edinburgh v Montpellier Preview
This is going to be an epic tussle at Murrayfield as Edinburgh know what the challenge in front of them is. They came out firing last weekend to produce a 28-17 victory out at Toulon in their penultimate game, staying on top of the table for round six. While they have been outscored in the points and the try department by Montpellier, Edinburgh have the best defensive record in the Pool.
At home so far in the group, they have posted back to back big wins over Toulon and the Newcastle Falcons, giving up the three tries across those two home games. They have stood up well as expected in the group but they will be out for a bit of revenge having lost against Montpellier in their opening Pool match.
That game at the Altrad Stadium back in October saw Edinburgh lose 15-21 as they couldn’t quite find enough in the second half to get the extra points they needed against the disciplined hosts. Montpellier were always going to be strong in the tournament and they have proven to be that way. They have, however, lost two matches compared to just the one by Edinburgh.
Interestingly as well the two defeats Montpellier have taken have been out on the road. They surprisingly lost at Newcastle by three points and then suffered a 10-point defeat at fellow French side Toulon. Montpellier did pick up a bonus point in each of those defeats though. It leaves them in a position of trailing Edinburgh by three points so only a win is going to get them across the finish line. If they get the straight four points for a win, but Edinburgh were to pick up a bonus point, then it all comes down points difference between them in the two meetings.
Edinburgh v Montpellier Prediction
This should be such an intense game with everything on the line in terms of qualification. Montpellier have had a couple of misfires on the road and with Edinburgh having been so strong at home, we have to stick with the Scottish side to cover a -4 handicap at 10/11 odds* (betting odds taken from bet365 on January 17th, 2019 at 1:24 pm)
