ASM Clermont Auvergne vs Bristol Prediction: Hosts too strong for injury-plagued Bears

Dealing with a host of injuries, Bristol Bears face a daunting task when they make the trip across the Channel on Saturday (15:15, Premier Sports 1) to face ASM Clermont Auvergne at the Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin in the European Rugby Champions Cup.

Alex Jack delivers his best bet for the clash in Clermont-Ferrand, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the big game in his ASM Clermont Auvergne vs Bristol prediction.

European Championship Cup Odds

Team News

Starting with the hosts, Clermont have reported no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s game, however, they will be without prop Giorgi Akhaladze following his red card against Bath last time out.

As for Bristol, boss Pat Lam has only one specialist fly-half available for the trip to Clermont, with pressure on Harry Byrne to deliver this weekend.

With Sam Worsley (hand), AJ MacGinty (knee) and Max Malins (Achilles) also sidelined, Bristol are down to the bare bones when it comes to options at stand-off.

Meanwhile, lock Joe Batley and centre James Williams suffered injuries in the 35-29 victory over Benetton and they are both set to miss Saturday’s game.

Match Odds

Clermont are the 2/13 favourites to claim the victory at the Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin, while Bristol are underdogs at 9/2 to head back to England with the win.

A draw on Saturday is available at odds of 22/1.

ASM Clermont Auvergne -14 handicap @ 11/10

Bristol Bears need a win or a draw to make either the knockout stages of the Champions Cup or drop into the European Challenge Cup following their win over Benetton last time out.

However, beating the Italian outfit at Ashton Gate might only be a stay of execution for the Bears, as winning at the Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin is a different kettle of fish altogether.

Clermont have managed to win 13 of their last 14 home games in all competitions, while they beat Benetton 28-0 in their only home game of this season’s Champions Cup campaign so far.

Also needing the win to see themselves continue in Europe, Clermont will be going all out to secure another comprehensive victory on home soil.

Bristol have been extremely unfortunate on the injury front and that does threaten to derail their season after an impressive start in the Premiership.

There’s plenty of pressure on the shoulders of Byrne to deliver this weekend and were he to pick up a knock, Bristol would be in real trouble in such a crucial position as fly-half.

In their fortress of a home ground, expect Clermont to not only take down the Bears on Saturday but also overcome the -14 handicap on offer in this one.

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