ASM Clermont Auvergne vs Sale Prediction: Sharks to leave Stade Marcel-Michelin deflated

Sale Sharks will be up against it when they head to the Stade Marcel-Michelin on Saturday (15:15, Premier Sports 2) to face ASM Clermont Auvergne in the European Rugby Champions Cup.

Alex Jack provides his best bets in his ASM Clermont Auvergne vs Sale prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the clash in Clermont-Ferrand.

Team News

Clermont start with Sacha Lotrian, Etienne Fourcade and Cristian Ojovan in the front row, while locks Rob Simmons and Thomas Ceyte make up the engine room.

Skipper Killian Tixeront, Marcos Kremer and Selevasio Tolofua complete the pack, with Sebastien Bezy and Irae Simone paired up in the half-backs

George Moala and Timeo Frier combine in the centres, while Clermont go with Alivereti Raka, Yerim Fall and Axel Guillaud as their back three.

As for Sale, the visitors have Simon McIntyre, Nathan Jibulu and Willgriff John starting in the front row, with Tom Burrow and Ben Bamber in the second row.

Jacques Vermeulen, skipper Ernst van Rhyn and Ben Curry comprise the back row, with Raffi Quirke and Robert du Preez going again in the half-backs.

Marius Louw and Joe Bedlow start in the centres, while the Sharks have a back three of Alex Wills, Tom O’Flaherty and Arron Reed.

Clermont Auvergne vs Sale Odds

Clermont are the expected favourites on home soil at 1/6 for the win, while Sale are 4/1 underdogs to head back across the Channel with the victory.

The draw is available at 25/1, while Clermont to be leading at the half-time and full-time whistle are 1/2.

ASM Clermont Auvergne -16 handicap @ 13/10

One again without George Ford at fly-half, Sale's England international will be sorely missed in the No.10 jersey on Saturday.

Named the Player of the Series for his efforts with England the November internationals, Sale could certainly use a player of Ford’s calibre going into this daunting game at Clermont.

Stade Marcel-Michelin continues to be a fortress for Clermont, who have managed to win nine of their last 10 home games in all competitions.

Expected to be overcast but a balmy 23C, conditions should be good for running rugby and Clermont will look to take full advantage.

Sale’s form away from the home comforts of Greater Manchester have been nothing to write home about, with the Sharks currently on a five-game losing streak on the road.

Given Clermont’s record at Stade Marcel-Michelin and Sale’s woes away from home, the hosts to not only win but cover the -16 handicap on offer gets the nod in Saturday’s showdown on French soil.

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