Northampton Saints vs Aviron Bayonne Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions Cup

Prediction published on 10/01/2024, 15:00  by Nella Wagah | Modified on 12/01/2024 at 07:00 in Champions Cup Prediction

High-flying Northampton Saints welcome Aviron Bayonne to the Cinch Stadium in Friday’s Champions Cup clash. Northampton sit at the summit of Group 3 courtesy of an unblemished record while Bayonne’s winless run has them in fourth. Heading into the final two pool clashes, both Northampton and Bayonne are in the playoff slots. The hosts possess a 100% record in the Champions Cup this season whilst collecting a bonus point in the opening game. The opening 19-28 victory over Glasgow Warriors earned them the bonus point which was followed by a slim win over RC Toulonnais. The hosts have extended their dominance in the Premiership Rugby where they are also at the apex of the log. This has been down to their five consecutive wins as they are the only club to win all their festive period fixtures.

Bayonne head into this encounter in need of a positive result, with only points difference separating them from fifth-placed Munster. A draw with Munster opened their Champions Cup campaign but they later suffered an 11-12 defeat to Glasgow Warriors. Patchy form in the Top 14 leaves the visitors 10th and not safe from the danger of relegation. Bayonne are coming from a 24-23 defeat to Bordeaux Begles with Facundo Bosch’s sin bin in the last 10 minutes costing them. The Champions Cup debutants will need a win to keep their hopes of a quarter-final berth alive. After losing against Bordeaux, manager Grégory Patat has made six changes to his lineup. Among the six changes are Manuel Leindekar, Baptiste Héguy, Facundo Bosch and Thomas Dolhagaray coming in. Improving on an away run that has 16 losses in 18 outings will be a key target for Bayonne here.