Racing 92 vs Harlequins Prediction: Parisian pain for Quins

Harlequins pulled off an incredible 31-28 win at Racing 92 in last season's European Champions Cup and will look to record a repeat in their tournament opener at Stade Dominique-Duvauchelle on Saturday evening (20:00, Premier Sports 1).

Read on for my Racing 92 vs Harlequins prediction, alongside team news and match odds.

The duo have been drawn in Pool 4 alongside Sale, Toulon, Glasgow and Stormers and will be keen to build momentum as they target a spot in the knockout phase.

Stuart Lancaster's hosts have lost their last two matches, most recently going down 21-17 to a fully loaded Toulouse team, but like all French clubs tend to save their best continental form for home matches and rested some of their big names against the European champions with an eye on this fixture.

Quins' second string recorded some decent results in the Premiership Rugby Cup, and some of their returning internationals missed last weekend's 48-24 home defeat against Bristol.

They have a mixed record on the road, triumphing only at winless Exeter, and could face a tough night in Nanterre.

Team News

Racing 92 will be without Owen Farrell, who recently had surgery on a groin issue.

Antoine Gibert starts in his place at fly-half and will look to feed star centres Josua Tuisova and Gael Fickou.

Rugby Union Odds

This will be Quins' first outing since Joe Marler's retirement, the former England prop making his final appearance in the defeat to Bristol.

England duo Marcus Smith and Chandler Cunningham-South return to the team, while Dino Lamb makes his 100th appearance for the club, packing down alongside Stephen Lewies.

Racing 92 vs Harlequins Odds

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Racing are 2/5 (71.4% implied win probability) to get revenge for last season's defeat, with Quins 21/10 to record a repeat and the draw 18/1.

The visitors are given a +6 handicap in the 3-Way Handicap, which is available at 20/21.

Handicap -6 - Racing 92 @ 20/21

The artificial indoor surface at La Defense helped Quins last season and, with work ongoing at La Defense Arena following its use during last summer's Olympics, the forecast wind and rain may prevent them from playing open and exciting rugby in the grass at the Stade Dominique-Duvauchelle.

Smith showed in last season's meeting just how good he can be on the speedy pitch in Nanterre and will need to demonstrate his improved game management on the grass in Creteil.

Not facing Farrell may help, but Gibert is a steady player who can happily swap roles with influential scrum-half Nolann La Garrec.

Among his notes heading into the game will be to preoccupy his opposite number by sending Tuisova down Smith's defensive channel at every possible chance.

Racing have also lost two of their five home outings this season, meaning there is cause for encouragement for the visitors, while Quins' three away defeats this season have been close run-affairs, losing by four or fewer points on each occasion.

However, the conditions in Creteil won't help the visitors and Lancaster has picked a big pack, as demonstrated by Cameron Woki's selection on the flank rather than in the second row.

It is unlikely to get too messy for Quins, but Racing look to have the class to record a decent opening victory.

Rugby Union Betting Tips from Betfred Insights.