Ospreys vs Sale Sharks Prediction & Betting Tips - Challenge Cup

Prediction published on 05/04/2024, 10:30  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 06/04/2024 at 05:53 in Challenge Cup Predictions

In the EPCR Challenge Cup round of 16, Ospreys will play host to the Sale Sharks on Saturday evening. The Ospreys have opted to hold the match at the smaller Brewery Field, marking the first European game to be played in Bridgend since the now-defunct Celtic Warriors defeated Perpignan 16-15 in January 2004. While the Ospreys may not attract as much attention in the headlines, they have quietly demonstrated their prowess in the URC, emerging as the highest-placed Welsh region in seventh position. Finishing third in Pool 2 during the group stages, they secured three wins and a loss, trailing behind Pool winners Benneton by just one point. Managing to overcome the Lions, the Ospreys avoided a third consecutive loss after previous defeats against Munster and Edinburgh. Nonetheless, hosting Sale Sharks poses a formidable challenge for them, especially considering their recent two losses against this opponent. Despite this, the hosts are favored to win in this encounter.

Meanwhile, the Sale Sharks displayed brilliance by snapping their losing streak with a commanding win against the Exeter Chiefs last week, injecting a surge of confidence after securing their first victory in seven matches. Tom Roebuck played a pivotal role, running in a hat-trick in the Sale Sharks' resounding 41-5 triumph. Despite their recent triumph, the English side endured a lackluster Champions Cup campaign, finishing fourth in Pool 4 with just one win from their four matches. Moreover, Sale has struggled on the road since November of last year, with their last away victory coming against the Bristol Bears with a scoreline of 27-13. In preparation for their upcoming match, Sale has opted for significant changes in their lineup compared to the squad that secured victory against Exeter last week. Only four starters remain from that match, with notable figures such as England internationals George Ford and Manu Tuilagi being rested for the upcoming fixture.