Scarlets vs Pau Prediction: Pau to add to Scarlets’ home woes

Pau might not be the best travellers when it comes to the European Rugby Champions Cup, but they will be eyeing a first win in the competition this season on Saturday night (20:00 GMT, Premier Sports 2) when they head to Llanelli to face the Scarlets.

Below are my Scarlets vs Pau predictions, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the showdown at the Parc y Scarlets.

Scarlets vs Pau Odds

The Scarlets are the 3/10 favourites to claim the win on home soil, while Pau are 13/5 to head back to the south of France with the victory.

A draw at Parc y Scarlets is available at 22/1, while Pau, with a +6 handicap in this match, are currently 11/10.

Team News

Starting with the Scarlets, head coach Dwayne Peel has revealed early injury news ahead of this European showdown.

Wales full-back Blair Murray is back in contention after his recovery from an ankle injury picked up before Christmas against Cardiff.

Fellow Wales international Jake Ball is also back in the mix after overcoming a knee injury he sustained against the Ospreys on Boxing Day.

Late calls will be made over Sam Lousi and Taine Plumtree after their recent knocks, but this weekend’s game will come too soon for Johnny Williams and Sam Costelow due to calf and ankle injuries, respectively.

As for Pau, there have been no fresh reports of new injuries ahead of their trip across the Channel.

Match Betting - Pau @ 13/5

Pau were thumped 61-12 in their last away game in the Champions Cup against Bristol Bears, who are notoriously strong at Ashton Gate.

It looked like the writing was on the wall from the start due to Pau selecting a weakened side for that trip to the West Country, but they might well name a stronger XV for a winnable game at Parc Y Scarlets.

Pau will have fond memories of their last trip to Wales, having won 24-15 at the Dragons last season.

Picking up recent away wins against Bordeaux Begles and Montauban in the Top 14 will also give Pau confidence ahead of this trip to Llanelli.

The Scarlets have hardly dazzled on their own patch in recent months, losing four of their last five games at Parc y Scarlets.

Conceding 34 points to both Munster and the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship during that spell, defence has been an issue for the Scarlets.

The loss of Wales fly-half Costelow to an ankle injury picked up in training is another significant blow for the Turks, and his absence will be felt in the No.10 jersey.

After their recent wins on the road at Bordeaux and Montauban, Pau look to be great value to inflict more woe on the Scarlets in Llanelli.

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