Heineken Cup previews

A look ahead to all the weekend's action:

POOL ONE

Northampton v Benetton Treviso,

Today, Franklin’s Gardens (3.0)

The Italian side demonstrated in beating Perpignan at home in the opening round of matches and then travelling to Limerick the following week and embarrassing Munster for most of the first half that they are not mere cannon fodder. However having taken the game to Munster they fell away meekly in the last 50 minutes barely raising a canter. Saints’ Irish contingent of James Downey, Neil Best and Roger Wilson are in action in what should be a bonus-point victory.

Verdict: Northampton.

POOL TWO

Biarritz Olympique v Dragons,

Sunday, Parc des Sports Aguilera (12.45)

Takudzwa Ngwenya has already amassed three tries so far in the competition and the flying Zimbabwean-born American international wing will be hoping for more chances tomorrow afternoon. Former England and Lions player Ian Balshaw is named at fullback but there is no place for compatriot Ayoola Erinle. The Dragons – Peter Bracken starts at tighthead prop – had a facile win over Leinster seconds last Sunday but while Biarritz are not exactly thriving domestically they should be too strong for the visitors at home.

Verdict: Biarritz

POOL THREE

Viadana v Ospreys,

Today, Stadio Il Giglio (1.35)

South African international scrumhalf Ricky Januarie is due to make his European debut for the Ospreys providing he comes through a late fitness test. If he doesn’t then he will swap places with Jamie Nutbrown in dropping to the bench. James Hook has been given the weekend off in the expectation that his first child will be born over the next couple of days. Tommy Bowe could be in line to help himself to a try or two.

Verdict: Ospreys.

Clermont Auvergne v Leicester

Sunday, Stade Marcel Michelin (3.0)

Ireland’s Alan Lewis takes charge of another mouth-watering encounter. The French side hammered Viadana in their opening match but then lost out narrowly to the Ospreys so this is a game they simply must win. They’re almost at full strength and have decided to play French international wing Aurelien Rougerie in the centre. For Leinster supporters, keep an eye on the Clermont back play, the responsibility of Joe Schmidt who is tipped to take over from Michael Cheika. Leicester had one or two injury concerns and delayed finalising their team.

Verdict: Clermont.

POOL FOUR

Bath v Edinburgh

Sunday, The Rec (3.0)

Jack Cuthbert will fill the number 11 shirt for Bath following England wing Matt Banahan’s two-week suspension for stamping. Cuthbert’s inclusion is the only change to the backline for the clash with the Magners League leaders, Edinburgh. There is just the one enforced change in the pack too, with Peter Short starting for the injured Danny Grewcock. The Scottish side are without scrumhalf Mike Blair while Ally Hogg is on the bench. Based on recent form, the Scots have a real chance of winning this one.

Verdict: Edinburgh.

POOL FIVE

Cardiff Blues v Toulouse,

Today, Cardiff City stadium (3.45)

Definitely one of the matches of the weekend and one that Cardiff must win, hoping to emulate their quarter-final success of last season against today’s opponents. Toulouse arrive in the Welsh capital unbeaten and boast both a formidable side and a ridiculously strong bench that includes amongst others a fit-again David Skrela. The Blues were to have Kiwi Casey Lualala in the centre but an injury means that Tom Shanklin steps in alongside Jamie Roberts.

Verdict: Cardiff.

Harlequins v Sale Sharks,

Sunday, The Stoop (12.45)

Former Ulster players, second row Lewis Stevenson and tighthead John Andress start for the home side while a third, Neil McMillan, is named among the replacements. Sale really need to win to keep their hopes alive while Harlequins are already effectively out of contention. The latter have suspended England scrumhalf Danny Care for an incident in a league game last week so Karl Dickson has been handed the starting journey. Could be a tight encounter.

Verdict: Harlequins.

POOL SIX

Brive v London Irish,

Today, Stade Amedee Domenech (6.0)

The home side’s win over Toulouse last weekend shows what they are capable of when they’re in the mood. There is no place for England internationals, outhalf Andy Goode or centre Jamie Noon, in the Brive team. London Irish are without their first- choice wings, have one or two issues with front row injuries but at least can welcome back Kiwi Clarke Dermody at prop. Ostensibly Brive have nothing to play for but pride. A volatile home support and the sight of an English club should keep them focused, at least initially.

Verdict: London Irish.