13th Jan 2012 | Rugby
Ulster v Leicester Tip: Leicester win
Leicester have won 10 of their last 11 as the physio room starts to empty and all the pressure is on Ulster.
The Heineken Cup returns this weekend with Friday’s live game a huge match: Ulster v Leicester Tigers. The top two in pool four go head-to-head in what is virtually a winner takes all contest.
Ulster have a reputation of beating the big teams on wet and windy nights at Ravenhill, but for the first time this season the expectations of the home crowd could bring unwanted pressure.
The Tigers are in a rich vain of form with 10 wins from their last eleven matches. They also travel to Belfast knowing they have the beating of Ulster. Back in November, Leicester won 20-9 at Welford Road despite playing poorly and with a side depleted through injury.
The physio room is still busy but the return to form and fitness of Ben Youngs has been instrumental. At his best, the scrum-half can dictate games and he is a key player for the Tigers. The loss of Toby Flood has been offset by the emergence of Billy Twelvetrees, whilst Anthony Allen has also recently returned from injury. All the momentum is with the Premiership side.
I’m surprised Sportingbet have priced up a Leicester win at 7/5; at worst I would call this match a 50:50 contest. Given the odds, I recommend siding with the form team and backing an away win for the Tigers.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 11:54 13th Jan, 2012 but subject to change