Heineken Cup previews

A look ahead to all this weekend's action

SATURDAY

Leicester Tigers v Viadana, Welford Road, (2.0):Ireland's Geordan Murphy remains injured, while Johne Murphy starts on the bench in a match Leicester must win to set up a possible win-or-bust finale against Ospreys. Viadana haven't won a match in four outings and Welford Road seems the most unlikely place to start a sea change. Verdict: Leicester

Cardiff v Sale Sharks, City stadium (3.45):The home side have elected to go with Ceri Sweeney rather than their Australian international Sam Norton-Knight in the pivotal outhalf role.

The Blues can not afford to lose this if they are to have any chance of making the play-off stages of the competition. Sale know a victory here will constitute a giant step towards a quarter-final place as they host pool leaders in their final round of matches.

Verdict: Cardiff

Stade Francais v Bath Rugby, Stade Jean Bouin, (1.35):Stade field a repertoire of French stars as well as England internationals James Haskell and Tom Palmer. Stade are on top of Pool Four while Bath have won just once in four outings. Stade are looking now for a home quarter-final and a win today should set that up for next week in Edinburgh.

Verdict: Stade Francais

Gloucester Rugby v Biarritz Olympique, (3.0):Biarritz have been the choice of some pundits to go the whole way this season but they travel to England without the injured Dimitri Yachvili and Damien Traille. That weakens them but with 18 points they are almost home and dry and even defeat is not terminal.

Verdict: Gloucester

Clermont Auvergne v Ospreys, Stade Marcel Michelin, (3.45)Shane Williams is poised to make an appearance from the bench as is James Hook as Ospreys travel to France with Ireland's Tommy Bowe on the wing. The Welsh team are unbeaten but in a tight pool third-placed Clermont will see the value of a bonus-point win in this visit, which would keep their hopes of advancing alive.

Verdict: Ospreys

SUNDAY

Northampton v Perpignan, Franklin's Gardens (3.0):It's hard to credit just how badly Perpignan have suffered after their thumping by Munster at Stade Aime Giral in the last round of matches.

The French champions have suffered some poor results domestically and on the evidence of the team they have chosen for this match travel more in resignation than expectation. Saints to win well.

Verdict: Northampton.

Toulouse v Harlequins, Stade Ernest Wallon (3.0): Anything other than a home victory here would be a major surprise.

Harlequins’ heroics from last year ahead of the bloodgate affair in the quarter-final are long forgotten as they languish at the foot of the pool with just two points. Toulouse have a better team and bench to boot and should manage a bonus point.

Verdict: Toulouse.