ASM Clermont Auvergne vs Glasgow Warriors: French side eye response

It’s bottom versus top in Investec Champions Cup Pool 1 on Saturday, as Clermont Auvergne come up against Glasgow Warriors (15:15, Premier Sports 1).

The visitors go into the clash having won both of their matches in the tournament, but this will be a stern test of their credentials.

Clermont are searching for a third consecutive victory, but their first in this competition, and home advantage could play a big part.

ASM Clermont Auvergne vs Glasgow Warriors odds

Clermont Auvergne, currently sat eighth in the Top 14 table, are 23/10 to pick up their first win of the Champions Cup campaign.

Glasgow can be backed at 4/11 to maintain their winning record in the competition, while the draw is available at 22/1.

Team News

The hosts have named their strongest possible team for Saturday afternoon’s match-up, with four players missing through injury.

Sebastien Bezy, Regis Montagne, Marcos Kremer and Thomas Ceyte are all sidelined after picking up issues in last week’s clash with Montauban.

Georgian prop Giorgi Dzmanashvili will make his first start since ending his loan spell with Biarritz, while Australian lock Rob Simmons also comes in after impressing off the bench last week.

Killian Tixeront, who is named captain, was another to shine as a replacement last week and he will join Pita-Gus Sowakula and Selevasio Tolofua in the back row.

Scrum-half Lucas Zamora will make his first start for the French outfit, while winger Yerim Fall returns to the starting XV.

Glasgow have been handed a double boost, with Huw Jones and Kyle Rowe set to return to the fray after recovering from injury.

Centre Jones has not played for his club since appearing for the British and Irish Lions in the summer, while winger Rowe has been missing with a knee injury since November.

Scotland international George Horne comes in at scrum-half for the pool leaders, while Dan Lancaster is handed the number 10 role.

Handicap - Clermont Auvergne +6 @ 13/10

They may be looking for their first win in this competition, but Clermont are seeking a third consecutive victory after back-to-back domestic successes.

Victories over Bordeaux and Montauban will have boosted confidence and Christophe Urios’ men have lost just one of their last seven matches on home soil.

Clermont will be determined to get off the mark and are expected to raise their game in front of their home fans at Stade Marcel-Michelin.

Franco Smith’s Glasgow are second in the United Rugby Championship and currently top of Pool 1 in the Champions Cup after an impressive run.

The Warriors have won their last five matches in all competitions, including a 47-10 home win over Zebre last weekend, running in seven tries.

Bringing in some of their returning players will be a major bonus going forward, but it does leave some question marks over how they will perform in France, with match sharpness perhaps a concern.

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