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European Champions Cup Predictions & Betting tips

Find our free Champions Cup winner prediction, as well as our expert’s analysis on all the 2023/24 Champions Cup matches. You’re sure to find all the information needed for your sports bets!

Rugby Champions Cup presentation and predictions

Rugby Champions Cup

The Champions Cup is Europe’s most prestigious annual Rugby Union tournament. Each season, it pits 24 clubs from 3 leagues (Top 14, Premiership and United Rugby Championship) against each other to determine which club will lift the famous trophy and claim the bragging rights.

With the best teams in Europe going head-to-head, this tournament is one of the ‘can’t-miss’ events of the year for rugby fans! The 2023/24 season of the competition promises to be fiercely contested which should result in some tense and exciting moments for both your predictions and rugby bets. The final will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on May 25, 2024, so mark your calendars!

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Our free prediction for the winner of the 2023/24 Champions Cup

The Champions Cup trophy

Two-time reigning European champions Stade Rochelais are putting their title on the line again this year. La Rochelle have the opportunity to secure a treble this season, as Toulon did a few years ago. As usual, the competition will be stiff for this 2023/2024 edition so winning a third consecutive Champions Cup will be no small feat. A less than convincing group stage performance saw the defending champions finish third in Pool 4 with two wins, two defeats and a points total of 12. They have subsequently seen their odds drop as a result, going from the tournament's second-favorites before play started to now tied for the third-favorites.

Unsurprisingly, Leinster remain the bookmakers' top favorites this season, having reached the final in the last two years and already having four titles to their names. They cruised through the group stages, finishing with a perfect 100% winning record after going four for four in Pool 4. Their 19 points earned was the second highest of all teams involved in the competition, with only Toulouse ranking higher with their total of 20 points. As for Toulouse, the French club's dominance in the opening stage has them now as the second-favorites to lift the cup.

As we tipped to start the tournament, Leinster remains our prediction to be crowned champions. With their experience in the competition and their rich pool of talented players, Leinster look to be serious title contenders this year, and will be out for revenge after coming so close to the title in the last two seasons, losing both times in the final. Our Champions Cup prediction: Leinster to lift the trophy!

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Investec Champions Cup prediction: Title odds ahead of the round of 16

Online sports betting sites allow you to bet on the future winner of the Investec Champions Cup. Here are how things currently stack up heading into the round of 16:

  • Leinster - 3.00
  • Toulouse - 3.50
  • Bordeaux - 7.00
  • La Rochelle - 7.00
  • Bulls - 13.00
  • Saracens - 19.00
  • Northampton - 19.00
  • Racing 92 - 26.00
  • Harlequins - 26.00
  • Stormers - 26.00
  • Bath - 26.00
  • Exeter Chiefs - 29.00
  • Munster - 29.00
  • Leicester - 81.00
  • Glasgow - 126.00
  • Lyon - 151.00

Odds taken from bet365.com

Group stage results

With group play now complete, here's how each team performed:

Pool 1

  1. Bordeaux - 17 points (3-0-1)
  2. Bulls - 15 points (3-0-1)
  3. Lyon - 12 points (2-0-2)
  4. Saracens - 10 points (2-0-2)
  5. Connacht - 6 points (1-0-3)
  6. Bristol - 5 points (1-0-3)

Pool 2

  1. Toulouse - 20 points (4-0-0)
  2. Harlequins - 15 points (3-0-1)
  3. Bath - 15 points (3-0-1)
  4. Racing 92 - 8 points (1-0-3)
  5. Ulster - 5 points (1-0-3)
  6. Cardiff - 3 points (0-0-4)

Pool 3

  1. Northampton - 18 points (4-0-0)
  2. Exeter Chiefs - 13 points (3-0-1)
  3. Warriors - 10 points (2-0-2)
  4. Munster - 9 points (1-1-2)
  5. Bayonne - 8 points (1-1-2)
  6. Toulon - 2 points (0-0-4)

Pool 4

  1. Leinster - 19 points (4-0-0)
  2. Stormers - 14 points (3-0-1)
  3. La Rochelle - 12 points (2-0-2)
  4. Leicester - 9 points (2-0-2)
  5. Sale - 6 points (1-0-3)
  6. Stade Francais - 2 points (0-0-4)

Round of 16 draw

The original 24-team competition has been trimmed down to the final 16 with the knockout rounds now set to kick off! Here's how the draw turned out (parentheses indicate group stage finish) along with the date for each fixture (UK timezone):

  • Harlequins (2) vs Warriors (3) - 5 April, 7:00 PM
  • Bulls (2) vs Lyon (3) - 6 April, 11:30 AM
  • Exeter Chiefs (2) vs Bath (3) - 6 April, 2:00 PM
  • Stormers (2) vs La Rochelle (3) - 6 April, 2:00 PM
  • Bordeaux (1) vs Saracens (4) - 6 April, 4:30 PM
  • Leinster (1) vs Leicester (4) - 6 April, 7:00 PM
  • Northampton (1) vs Munster (4) - 7 April, 11:30 AM
  • Toulouse (1) vs Racing 92 (1) - 7 April, 2:00 PM 

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Beginner's Guide - how does the Champions Cup work?

The format of the 2023/24 Champions Cup has changed somewhat from recent years. For the new season, teams are no longer grouped into 2 pools of 12 teams each, but into 4 pools of 6 teams each. Teams are ranked based on their performance in their respective domestic leagues in the prior season and then drawn into pools at random. This does not apply for the defending champions as well as the three winners of each championship.

Clubs play 4 matches in the group phase, each against a different opponent: two home matches and two away matches. Clubs in the same league can't play against each other, which is why a club doesn't play every other team in its group.

When it comes to accumulating points, the important facts to remember are that 4 points are awarded for a win, 2 for a draw, and 0 for a defeat. 1 bonus point is awarded for scoring 4 tries or more and/or losing by 7 points or less.

If two or more clubs in the same pool are tied on points, they will be decided as follows:

  1. Best points differential
  2. Number of tries scored
  3. Fewer players suspended
  4. Random draw

The 4 highest-ranked clubs in each pool qualify directly for the Round of 16, while the 5th-placed club in each pool advances to the Round of 16 of the EPCR Challenge Cup (the second-tier cup competition). Clubs finishing in 6th place are eliminated from all European competition.

A classic format then follows, with the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and then the Grand Final, played in London. The ranking of the teams in the group phase determines the duels in the final phase.

All in all, an exciting structure that makes the Rugby Champions Cup a favorite competition of all passionate sports bettors of the oval ball.

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How to make good predictions on Champions Cup matches?

Predictions - Champions Cup

One of the important concepts to understand before making a Champions Cup prediction is that the standard of play is improving year after year, which is especially true of the lesser-known teams such as the Scottish, Irish, Welsh and South African clubs.

Although we're used to seeing French or English clubs dominate the competition, it's not unusual to see teams from other countries stand out from the crowd. Such is the case with Leinster and Munster, Irish teams who frequently make deep runs in the tournament. Although some of the clubs have made significant waves in the group phase, the duels are often very close from the Round of 16 onwards.

So, you're probably wondering how to place reliable bets on the Champions Cup. Below you’ll find our expert’s advice on how not to leave anything to chance!

  • Analyze the level of play of Champions Cup teams
  • Take into account the form of the teams
  • Find out about absentees and likely line-ups
  • Favor Champions Cup teams playing at home
  • Watch the head-to-head meetings between teams that will face off

Above all, try to register with as many bookmakers as possible, as this will enable you to choose the best possible odds for each bet and optimize your winnings. There can sometimes be big discrepancies depending on the sports betting site. For the rest, just read on - we'll explain everything in detail.

Analyze the level of play of the teams taking part in the Champions Cup

Champions Cup level of teams

As you've probably guessed, the first thing to do is to take a look at each club's level of play. If you actively follow the European leagues, you should have a pretty good idea of what each team is worth.

If not, don't worry, just take a look at the teams' league results and standings, as well as their European Cup performances over the past few seasons. This can give you an idea of a team's level of play in the cup and the importance attached to it. The same clubs often go very far in the competition, so take this into account.

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Take into account the form of Champions Cup teams

Next, you'll need to look at the teams' recent results, both in the cup and especially in the league. A team may have had a very good month of December and thus qualified for the Round of 16, but have experienced a much more complicated phase a few months later. 

Team dynamics should therefore be taken into account before placing your bets on the Champions Cup. An in-form team should be taken more seriously than one with a string of defeats, even if the basic level of play is equivalent. Confidence and motivation will not be the same.

Find out about absentees and probable line-ups

Champions Cup - probably lineups

The absence of a key player is a major factor in rugby, even more so than in football Lineups tend to vary from match to match, and teams often rotate in the championship. 

In the Champions Cup, clubs tend to try to play their best possible team lineups but injuries, suspensions or the absence of key players who have to play with their national team can change the situation. Take this into account and try to know the likely composition of the teams before placing your bet.

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Favour Champions Cup teams playing at home

As in the league, home advantage counts for a lot in the Champions Cup, and generally more in rugby as a whole. The home crowd, the motivation and the fact of avoiding travel fatigue mean that the majority of rugby matches end with the home team being victorious.

The Champions Cup is no exception, with the home team holding a clear advantage. Then again, away teams can sometimes rotate depending on what's at stake, so keep a keen eye on the line-ups!

Watch the head-to-head Champions Cup matches

Champions Cup - head to head

Last but not least, take into account the history of matches between two teams who face each other. To be more precise, look especially at their most recent confrontations.

For example, a team that has beaten another 4 times in a row between 2021 and 2023 is very likely to have a psychological advantage, thus giving them the upper hand in the match. If the last head-to-head took place in the same season and the circumstances are more or less identical, then the result should be a significant factor in your analysis.

Have you taken all these tips into account? You're now ready to lock in your bets! Don't forget that some bookmakers offer boosted rugby odds, so if you find one that interests you, be sure to take advantage of the increased payout! You'll also be able to watch your match live on video, as some books offer you the chance to stream Champions Cup matches.

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Mistakes to avoid when making Champions Cup predictions

If you want to maximize your betting success and minimize your losses on rugby union's premier European Cup, here are a few habits to avoid:

  • Bet on a Champions Cup team with nothing left to play for
  • Creating accumulators with many different matches
  • Betting on a whim without having analyzed or found any important information
  • Betting on a Champions Cup team just based on its reputation
  • Don't take statistics into account when analyzing a Champions Cup match
  • Ignoring the schedule of Champions Cup teams
  • Risking a bet you're not prepared to lose

Many punters who bet on the Champions Cup make these mistakes, which significantly reduce the chances of their bets succeeding. Avoid these pitfalls at all costs and your Champions Cup bets will become more reliable. Wise words from our experts.

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Champions Cup prediction: statistics you need to know

Champions Cup - statistics to know

To make the right Champions Cup 2023/24 predictions, there are a few statistics to keep in mind. Here are the most notable from the last edition:

  • Average points per match: 50.2
  • Average points scored at home: 28.8
  • Average points scored away from home: 21.4
  • Matches with +2.5 point difference: 92
  • Matches within +3.5 points of each other: 89
  • Matches with +4.5 point difference: 79
  • Matches within +7.5 points of each other: 65
  • Matches within +14.5 points of each other: 41
  • Matches within +19.5 points of each other: 29
  • Matches within +24.5 points of each other: 21
  • Matches with a +29.5 point difference: 14%.
  • Team wins at home: 68% of matches
  • Draw: 3% of matches
  • Away wins: 29% of matches

As you can see, it can be a smart strategy to bet the handicap market in this Champions Cup 2023/24 as well as backing high-scoring matches. However, this advice should be applied above all in the group stages, where the gaps between the teams are wide. In the final stages, the clashes are much tighter and the big odds can be more easily tempted. La Rochelle, for example, was quoted at 4.90 for the Champions Cup 2021/2022 final, and 4.45 for the last edition. Both finals were won by the French club. So keep this in mind.

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In short: how to make the right Rugby Champions Cup predictions?

Champions Cup - in short

There's no hidden secret to placing reliable bets on rugby's most prestigious European club competition. First of all, the statistics we've provided on this page should assist you in finding the most enticing bets and identifying the betting lines that hold the most value.

Secondly, don't forget to take note of our experts' advice and the mistakes you should avoid when betting on this tournament. They'll help you maximize your winnings and avoid some of the most common mistakes that lead to bettors losing money foolishly.

Finally, if you don't feel up to making your own Champions Cup predictions but would like to benefit from the expertise of specialists, you can take advantage of our experts' analysis and predictions on the major matches. It's 100% free and you'll appreciate it if you’re just looking for a bet to kick back and watch the game with!

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Our current Champions Cup predictions

There are no previews at the moment for this competition

Rugby Champions Cup: the best odds to bet

05 Apr 2024 - 15:00 Harlequins FC - Glasgow Warriors
1 1.36
X 26
2 3.65
06 Apr 2024 - 07:30 Bulls - Lyon Ou
1 1.13
X 41
2 11
06 Apr 2024 - 10:00 Exeter RC Chiefs - Bath Rugby
1 2.27
X 23
2 1.77
06 Apr 2024 - 10:00 Stormers - Stade Rochelais
1 2.2
X 23
2 1.87
06 Apr 2024 - 12:30 Union Bordeaux Begles - Saracens FC
1 1.39
X 31
2 4.75
06 Apr 2024 - 15:00 Leinster - Leicester Tigers
1 1.09
X 41
2 10.5
07 Apr 2024 - 07:30 Northampton Saints - Munster
1 1.46
X 25
2 3.41
07 Apr 2024 - 10:00 Stade Toulousain - Racing 92
1 1.19
X 34
2 6.36

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