Racing 92 vs Harlequins Prediction: Quins can push their opponents close

The big question heading into Sunday's Champions Cup game between Racing 92 and Harlequins is which Quins side will turn up?

Will it be the one that beat Sale 36-3 last Friday or the version that was error-strewn in their defeats to Northampton and Saracens in their two games before that?

Anything but their best will leave Quins struggling against Racing, who beat European champions La Rochelle in their last home game and are undefeated on their own patch this season, a run that has helped them to move to the summit of a stacked Top 14.

The pair also met in last season's group stages, with Nolann Le Garrec's late penalty sealing a 30-29 victory for Racing at Paris La Defense Arena.

With Pool 2 arguably the most open in the competition, a win on Sunday could set one of these sides up for a run to the knockout rounds.

Match Odds

Racing are the 3/10 favourites in the match betting, with Quins 13/5 and the tie 22/1.

The handicap is set at -8 with Racing 5/6, while the hosts are 4/6 for the Double Result.

Team news

Star-studded Racing include double South African World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi in their back-row.

Scrum-half Le Garrec will look to feed a back-line that also features England's Henry Arundell, whose short spell in France may be about to come to a premature end due to the RFU's new hybrid contract policy.

Quins have made one change from the side that beat Sale, with Wales international Dillon Lewis named at tighthead in place of the injured Will Collier.

Forwards Jack Walker and Simon Kerrod return to the bench.

Harlequins +8 @ 20/21

There really is something special about French clubs at home in Europe. While they often look pretty nonplussed on the road, the Top 14 sides rarely know when they are beaten in front of their own fans.

Last January's win for Racing was a case in point, with Le Garrec's penalty coming with them down to 12 men after having three of their players sent to the sin bin for the final 10 minutes.

La Defense's unique design means the atmosphere can prove a real point of difference, with eerie silences punctuated by partisan support, a blend that can disorientate visiting sides.

Racing will look to gee their fans up by flying out of the blocks and they have won all four of their home matches this season.

They often have a lull, though, and this is when Quins will need to strike. There is no doubt that on last weekend's evidence they can go really close in Paris.

Whether they can get the victory remains to be seen but a losing bonus point is by no means out of the question.

Rugby Union betting tips, from Insights.