Gloucester v Munster
European Champions Cup Rugby -7.45 pm
BT Sport
There is a busy night of football on Friday, but top of my list for best bets of the day is some rugby action. It is the clash of Gloucester v Munster in the pool stage of the European Champions Cup. Pool 2 has been arguably the best of this season’s competition, as it has all been so tight. There are only the four points separating leaders Munster from bottom side Gloucester. Munster are favourites for the clash because of their tough defence. However, they have failed to win either of their two away games in the pool so far (D1 L1).
So if Gloucester lands the win at Kingsholm then the group is wide, wide open heading into the final round of matches. If not, it’s advantage Munster in terms of winning the group. Gloucester lost 22-36 at Munster earlier in the season, but from their four previous meetings, Gloucester are winless against Munster. This would be a fantastic time to break their duck against the Irish side. The Cherry & Whites are 15/8 underdogs to pull out a big night at Kingsholm.
Leeds v Derby
Championship – 7.45 pm
Sky Sports
Championship leaders Leeds are in a sticky spot at the moment. They have lost their last two league games and they have seen their lead cut down to two points at the top. Fortunately for them, second-placed Norwich have fallen out of form at the same time. So Leeds need a lift and beating 6th-placed Derby at Elland Road would deliver just that. Leeds have a great W8 D3 L2 record at home in the league this season. The Whites were on a four-match winning streak there before suffering a shock loss against Hull in their last one.
Derby suffered a 4-1 hammering at home by Leeds earlier in the season, but they have been in a resilient mood lately. Derby have one defeat in their last seven games (W3 D2) and they have come through some tough games lately. Each of their last three have been against sides currently in the top five and now they meet the league leaders. Can they avoid defeat or even produce a win to strengthen their spot in the top six? They are the underdogs for the game with Leeds at 4/5 odds on with leading bookies.
Rayo Vallecano v Celta Vigo
La Liga – 8.00 pm
BT Sport
I can settle in for a good night of footie on Friday. This one from the Spanish top flight looks a fascinating tussle. Granted it’s not a headliner but there’s an interesting scenario here. Rayo Vallecano are second from bottom in La Liga, but they have won their last two games back to back. So they are just starting to show a bit of steel in the fight against relegation.
Celta Vigo are four points clear of the drop zone but have fallen out of form. It’s been one point from their last three games for them. Celta Vigo, who have won one of their last seven away games, would be dragged into a less comfortable position if they lost this. Can Rayo Vallecano, who are 11/8 favourites for the three points with top bookmakers, take their chance? They could possibly get out of the drop zone this weekend. That’s why I’ll be keeping an eye on this one.
Lyon v Reims
Ligue 1 – 7.45 pm
BT Sport
Friday night Ligue 1 action anyone? Why not. The French top flight is halfway through its season and the title is pretty much sealed already. PSG are thirteen points clear at the top having played at least a game less than their nearest challengers. Lyon are in third place. Really the main contest here is the fight for second and a place in the Champions League next season.
This could be a tight scrap as Lyon are in decent form as always, having lost only one of their last eight played. They lost 1-0 at Reims earlier in the season so they will be out for revenge. Reims have only won twice on their travels this season. But in their last two road games they have drawn at Marseille and Lille, both current top-six sides. Lyon are 4/9 odds-on favourites with the top bookies to win this one. But will Reims be able to show more of that resilience?
Australia v India
1st ODI Cricket 0.20 am (Saturday)
BT Sport
Alright, it’s technically not a Friday event. It start early on Saturday. However, this match is going to nearly be in the books by the time most of the UK is rolling out of bed on Saturday. India took a historic win in the Test series against Australia (their first ever in Australia) to round of 2018 with a bang. Will they come out fighting as well in the first of three ODI’s between the two nations? India are ranked second in the world in the format.
This is a day/night duel (all three matches are actually). Australia lost all but two One Day International matches played during 2018. With the World Cup coming up this year, they are under massive pressure at the moment. Do they have the batting power at the top of the order to hold things together? Or will the confidence that is surging through India at the moment see the tourists deliver on their 8/13 odds-on favouritism with leading bookies for the match?
