Glasgow Warriors vs Toulon Prediction: Warriors can keep Euro hopes alive

With Pool 3 wide open, it’s all to play for ahead of Glasgow Warriors’ European Champions Cup clash with Toulon on Friday night (20:00).

The Warriors are focused on securing third place in the Pool, which would see them book their spot in the Round of 16.

Toulon are winless in the Champions Cup this season and they face a tough task to come away from a chilly Scotstoun with a victory.

Team News

Starting with the hosts, Glasgow welcome back skipper Kyle Steyn on the wing and fellow Scotland international Jack Dempsey at number eight.

Both recovering from knocks, the pair return to the starting lineup, while there’s a brand new front-row for Glasgow in the form of George Turner, Lucio Sordoni and Jamie Bhatti.

It’s a big night for Max Williamson, who makes his first professional start in the second-row, but he should benefit from having the experienced Richie Gray alongside him.

Dempsey returns to a back-row that includes Ally Miller and Matt Fagerson, while in the half-backs it’s the pairing of George Horne and Tom Jordan.

Scotland centres Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones start, with a back three of Steyn, Kyle Rowe and Josh McKay.

As for Toulon, they still have a chance of reaching the knockout stages but have selected a greatly weakened side for the trip to Glasgow.

There is no place in the squad for former Wales fly-half Dan Biggar, with Jeremy Sinzelle set to start his first game at stand-off since 2019.

Despite being called up to France’s 2024 Six Nations squad, Charles Ollivon, Melvyn Jaminet and Esteban Abadie have all been omitted, while fellow international Matthias Halagahu is dropped to the bench.

Match Odds

Glasgow are the firm 1/8 favourites to claim the victory needed to see them through to the knockout stages.

Top 14 outfit Toulon are 5/1 to cause a major shock at Scotstoun, while the tie on the night is available at 28/1.

Glasgow Warriors -14 handicap 3-way @ 10/11

Seemingly more happy to focus on their next Top 14 clash with La Rochelle, it’s a bizarre decision from Toulon to field a weakened side for Friday’s game, especially with a place in the Champions Cup knockout stages still a possibility.

The decision from the coaches could well set the tone for what will be played out at Scotstoun, especially with Glasgow fielding a side with 11 international players.

Glasgow will be looking to come flying out of the blocks and could try to put the result to bed in the first 40 minutes.

Scotland boss Gregor Townsend will be keeping a close eye on proceedings ahead of the Six Nations and players will be keen to impress.

Tuipulotu and Jones will be eager to show they are the centre partnership that should be starting Scotland’s opener against Wales in Cardiff.

Toulon’s selection policy for this game speaks volumes and Glasgow should come out on top, while falling on the right side of the -14 3-way handicap.

Check out the rest of our Rugby Union Betting Tips here.