Northampton Saints vs ASM Clermont Auvergne Prediction: Saints can march through to quarters

The European Rugby Champions Cup begins the round of 16 stage on Friday night (20:00, Premier Sports 1) as Northampton Saints prepare to host ASM Clermont Auvergne at Franklin’s Gardens.

Alex Jack provides his best bets in his Northampton Saints vs ASM Clermont Auvergne prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the showdown in the East Midlands.

Team News

Northampton boss Phil Dowson has gone with Emmanuel Iyogun, Curtis Langdon and Trevor Davison in the front row, while Temo Mayanavanua and Alex Coles join up in the second row.

Josh Kemeny, Henry Pollock and Juarno Augustus start in the back row, with England duo Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith in the half-backs.

Skipper Fraser Dingwall and Burger Odendaal start in the centres, with George Hendy, Tommy Freeman and James Ramm in the back three.

Rugby Union Odds

As for Clermont, Giorgi Akhaladza, Barnabe Massa and Cristian Ojovan are in the front row, with Rob Simmons and Thomas Ceyte in the engine room.

Fritz Lee skippers the side in a back row that also includes Pita Gus Sowakula and Killian Tixeront.

Sebastian Bezy and Anthony Belleau are the half-backs, with George Moala and Irae Simone in the centre.

The Clermont backline is completed with wingers Alivereti Raka and Bautista Delguy being joined by full-back Alex Newsome.

Northampton Saints vs ASM Clermont Auvergne Odds

Northampton Saints are 2/7 favourites to win on Friday night, while Clermont are 11/4, or a 26.7% chance, to win in the 80 minutes to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

A draw in regular time at Franklin’s Gardens is available at 22/1, while Clermont to be leading at the break is currently 21/10

Northampton Saints -12 handicap @ 5/4

Clermont are well known for being a poor travelling side, and once again, the Top 14 outfit could be undone on the road in this one.

Winning just two of their last 13 away games in all competitions, Clermont just can’t seem to replicate some of the performances they produce at Stade Marcel-Michelin.

Northampton have rested some of their key players ahead of this game in a bid to keep their powder dry for this huge European clash at Franklin’s Gardens.

The return of Smith to the No.10 jersey is a massive boost, and he, along with Mitchell, will have a big role to play on Friday night.

Northampton pulled off a big home win over Munster at this stage of the competition last season and know what it takes to secure a quarter-final spot.

Not only should the reigning Premiership champions earn that last eight place in the Champions Cup but they should be able to cover the -12 handicap in the process in front of a passionate crowd at The Gardens.

Rugby Union Betting Tips from Betfred Insights