Clermont vs Stade Francais Paris Prediction & Betting Tips - Top 14

Prediction published on 25/04/2024, 15:05  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 27/04/2024 at 07:05 in Rugby Predictions

Clermont Auvergne will play host to Stade Francais in the Top 14 on Saturday afternoon. The hosts are in 11th place in the current standings, while the visitors are leading the league. With five games left to play in this competition, Clermont are likely going to need to win all their remaining games to have a chance of breaking into the Champions Cup qualification places. They are currently on 42 points after 21 games with a record of eight wins, two draws and 11 losses. Last time out, ASM were hammered 41-7 by the Bordeaux Begles, marking their second loss on the bounce in this competition following a 26-10 defeat to Racing 92 at the end of last month. However, Clermont are still standing in the EPCR Challenge Cup and have a very difficult trip to South Africa next week to face the Sharks in the semi-final. As a result, it would not be surprising to see a significantly changed-up side for this match. These two played out a 14-14 draw earlier this year, but the hosts are the favourites in this one. 

Meanwhile, despite failing to win a single match in the Champions Cup this season, Stade Francais have been flying in the domestic competition. They currently sit atop the league standings with 67 points in 21 games and have a record of 15 wins, one draw and five losses. This is a huge match for the side, as a win with a bonus point will put them in a solid position ahead of their top-of-the-table clash against Toulouse in a fortnight. Stade Francais come into this match following a 28-24 victory over Bayonne last time out, which extended their current winning streak to three matches while they have only lost one of their last nine in all competitions. The visitors have also been good on the road in this competition, winning four of their last five away games. While they have not won at this venue in their last eight visits, Stade Francais will feel that they are in good enough form to end that winless streak in this one.