Exeter Chiefs vs Glasgow Warriors Prediction: Chiefs can put Warriors to the sword

There will be plenty of international talent on show at Sandy Park on Saturday as Exeter Chiefs host Glasgow Warriors in the European Champions Cup.

Exeter have made a perfect start in the competition this season after the first two rounds, while Glasgow are just behind them in Pool 3 after one win in their first two outings.

A high-scoring game looks to be on the cards in this one and Exeter look to have the firepower to continue their perfect start in Europe this weekend.

Team News

Starting with the hosts, Exeter boss Rob Baxter has made five changes from the side that threw away a 26-0 lead to lose 42-36 against Northampton Saints last time out.

Having recovered from glandular fever, Alec Hepburn returns to the front-row for his first start of the season and joins Jack Yeandle and Ehren Painter at the coalface.

Dafydd Jenkins is unavailable, so Rusi Tuima and Lewis Pearson start in the second-row, while flankers Jacques Vermeulen and Ethan Roots, along with Greg Fisiau complete the pack.

Tom Cairns is another change at scrum-half as Stu Townsend drops to the bench.

Harvey Skinner starts at fly-half, while Rory O’Loughlin joins Henry Slade in a new-look centre partnership.

No changes in the back three, with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Ben Hammersley starting on the wings with Tommy Wyatt at fullback.

As for Glasgow, Saturday will be a big day for 22-year-old Gregor Hiddleston as the hooker prepares to make his professional debut for the Warriors.

Hiddleston’s selection is one of six changes for what will be Glasgow’s first game of 2024.

Experienced pair of Oli Kebble and Zander Fagerson will be vital alongside the newcomer in the front-row, while Scott Cummings and youngster Alex Samuel start in the second-row.

Matt Fagerson is back at flanker after recovering from a facial injury suffered against Northampton and is joined by Ally Miller and Henco Venter in the back-row.

The experienced Duncan Weir starts at fly-half with fellow Scotland international George Horne at scrum-half.

There’s more Scotland internationals in the backline, with Sione Tuipolotu, Stafford McDowell and Huw Jones joined by Josh McKay.

Match Odds

Exeter are favourites to make it three wins from three in the Champions Cup this weekend at 1/4

Glasgow are 18/5 to back up their win over the Channel against Bayonne with victory at Sandy Park, while a tie is available at 22/1.

Exeter Chiefs -10 handicap 3-way @ Evs

Exeter produced a Jekylll and Hyde performance last time out against Northampton but can take positives from their blistering start against the Saints to race into a 26-0 lead.

Baxter will be making sure lessons were learnt from the experience of losing that game and Exeter should be able to get back to winning ways this weekend.

Glasgow are relying on some fresh faces in the pack and there will be questions on whether fly-half Weir can help guide the Warriors to success south of the border.

Exeter have already won on the road at Toulon and beaten Munster at home in the Champions Cup this season and should have too much quality for Glasgow this weekend.

Go with the Chiefs -10 on the 3-way handicap in this one at Evs

Rugby Union betting tips, from Betfred Insights.