Montpellier Herault Rugby vs Lions Prediction & Betting Tips - Challenge Cup

Prediction published on 12/01/2024, 13:45  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 13/01/2024 at 07:00 in Challenge Cup Prediction

The EPCR Challenge Cup returns this weekend, and the big match in Pool 2 will see Montpellier take on the Lions on Saturday evening. The hosts currently lead the Pool ahead of the visitors courtesy of an extra try bonus point. Montpellier is the only club in the entire competition with a perfect 10 points from the first two rounds of matches. They secured a 24-19 victory against the Newcastle Falcons and dominated the Ospreys with a 38-5 win in their opening matches. However, outside of this competition, their form has been much less impressive. While they did beat Toulon in the Top 14 last week, that marked only their third win in 12 matches. They currently sit at the bottom of the Top 14 table with 16 points, four behind second-bottom Lyon, who they lost to in their final match of 2023. Nevertheless, the hosts have now won each of their last three home games and, on that basis, cannot be ruled out of this contest. 

Meanwhile, despite fielding a weakened side in the opening round in France, the Lions secured a 28-12 win over Perpignan. They continued their strong performance with a 35-13 victory over the Falcons at Ellis Park, placing them just one point behind their upcoming hosts this weekend and currently in second place in the competition. They had another resilient performance last week to beat the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship, but overall they are yet to set that competition alight. The Lions are 11th in the URC standings with 23 points in eight matches, five behind the top four teams. In addition, the visitors are expected to send another youthful squad to France again this week, with Darrien Landsberg being the only player in the squad that featured against the Sharks last week.