Stade Francais vs Leicester Tigers Prediction: Stade to show their class

Stade Francais were second best in their opening 28-5 defeat at Sale Sharks, but rested some of their stars and should be stronger against Champions Cup rivals Leicester on Sunday.

The Tigers recovered from a mixed first half to beat Stormers 35-26 last Sunday, but have since been hit with the news that Scotland lock Cameron Henderson will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury sustained in that victory.

That blow is cushioned by the return of George Martin but a frantic start to the season has prompted the visitors to freshen things up for Sunday's game.

In contrast, Stade have strengthened their line-up and will expect to bounce back at home in front of their passionate Parisian crowd.

The revamped Stade Jean-Bouin is one of the most atmospheric in Europe and, while Leicester will try to take the game to their hosts, Laurent Labit's side look like they will have too much for the visitors.

Team News

Stade have freshened up their side, with England centre Joe Marchant's recall particularly eye-catching.

Versatile French international Sekou Macalou also returns to start at blindside flanker after a month on the sidelines.

Leicester have rotated, with lock Martin and wing Anthony Watson both coming into the team, while Archie Vanes makes his first European start at hooker.

There are also first European starts for the club for both fly-half Jamie Shillcock and half-back partner Tom Whiteley.

Match Odds

Stade are 1/4 to win on Sunday, with Leicester 3/1 and the tie priced at 22/1, while the French club are 10/11 carrying a -10 handicap.

Stade Francais to win by 11-15 points inclusive @ 11/2

These two have genuine Champions Cup history, with Leicester beating Stade 34-30 in the 2001 final across the road at the Parc des Princes, while the French club's win at Welford Road in January 2004 was Tigers' legend Dean Richards' last game in charge of the club.

Both have had their ups and downs and have not met since clashing in both the group and knockout stages of the 2015-16 campaign. Leicester edged that trilogy 2-1, but all of those results went to the home side and it might be a similar story on Sunday.

Stade have won four of their five home outings this season, with their only defeat coming in the Paris derby against Racing.

The Tigers won their last away game at Gloucester, while they have also triumphed at Bath this season.

They have undoubtedly improved in recent weeks under new boss Dan McKellar, but the coach's rotation hints that he is aware of fatigue in the camp and may already have an eye on next weekend's trip to Exeter.

Their fringe players could put on a show, similar to in their win at Bath, but Stade should prevail with a bit to spare.

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