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Racing 92 and Munster will square off in the most anticipated match of the weekend in the European Rugby Champions Cup, and there will be plenty to fight for in this 5th round group stage clash.
Racing 92 is currently on the second place in Pool 4, after two wins at home and two defeats away. A win here might see them overtake Munster for the first place in the group, or at least get them into a great position to qualify as one of the best runner up finishers. Racing (currently 3rd in the French league) has been in great form lately, winning 4 games in a row in all competitions and demolishing reigning Champions Clermont last week in the French Top 14, 58-6. Clermont did miss some important players, but it was still a marvelous performance by Racing.
Irish side Munster is having a solid season, posting the 4th best record in the domestic Pro 14 competition so far, and dominating this Champions Cup group with 3 wins and 1 draw in four games. While the visitors are virtually qualified for the next stage, they will be eager to get a result in France in order to secure a home quarterfinal in the competition.
Bet on Racing 92 v Munster and claim your 100% (100 EUR) bonus at Ohmbet now!Team news & lineups:
Both teams will field their best available lineups, which is nothing less than you would expect in such a big game. Each side has a few injuries, but nothing which would give either one of them an advantage – although Racing does have problems at No.10, with Dan Carter and Pat Lambie both out. Nevertheless, that is nothing new for them.
Racing 92: 15.Dupichot, 14.Thomas, 13.Vakatawa, 12.Chavancy, 11.Andreu, 10.Tales, 9.Machenaud, 8.Nakarawa, 7.Lauret, 6.Nyanga, 5.Maka, 4.Ryan, 3.Tameifuna, 2.Chat, 1.Ben Arous
Munster: 15.Zebo, 14.Conway, 13.Farrell, 12.Scannell, 11.Earls, 10.Keatley, 9.Murray, 8.Kilcoyne, 7.Marshall, 6.Archer, 5.Kleyn, 4.Holland, 3.O’Mahony, 2.Cloete, 1.Stander
Racing is having a really great comeback year after a disappointing 2016 / 2017 season, and they will feel confident about their chances here. They have been exceptional at home all season, winning 9 of their 10 games as hosts in all competition. Also, they have been dominant since they moved to their new beautiful indoor U Arena a couple of months ago, winning 3 out of 3 games.
Home court advantage here should be key, as French sides are renowned for being much better at home than away, and Racing is a perfect example. Expect full focus and intensity from Racing, as this is a do or die game for them – a win puts them in a great spot to qualify, but a loss would most likely see them being knocked out of the competition.
Munster is a quality side and will surely put up a fight, but Racing has as much quality as them, as proved in the previous meeting in Ireland, when Munster struggled to win 14-7. Playing away will be much more difficult for them against a desperate and in form Racing outfit.
A downside for Munster could be the fact that they haven`t played since mid-December, which could make them a bit rusty, while Racing has been involved in the Top 14 and has good rhythm.
It might be a close battle, but Racing at home should have too much. An 8 unit bet on the simple home win looks like a good choice, so that will be my tip. Prediction: Racing – Munster 26 – 21.
Pick: Racing 92
Odds: 1.62 @ William Hill
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 4.96
Event date: 14 January
