Europe - Challenge Cup
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Sharks vs Zebre Prediction & Betting Tips - Challenge Cup
by Devesh Jaganath | in Challenge Cup Predictions
The Round of 16 in the EPCR Challenge Cup will see the Hollywoodbets Sharks taking on Zebre at Kings Park Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Sharks, despite a challenging URC season, have shown promising form in the Challenge Cup, winning three out of four pool games to secure a top-seed qualification. With momentum from back-to-back wins, they seem determined to secure the Challenge Cup title, which will allow them to return to the Champions Cup next season. They now face an opponent that has been struggling mightily but that did secure a narrow victory in their last encounter, a 12-10 home win in October. The Sharks’ focus will be to convert dominance into points, as seen in their recent match against Edinburgh. Head coach John Plumtree has maintained consistency in the lineup, with only Vincent Koch returning after missing the last game due to illness. Unfortunately, Eben Etzebeth's absence due to a rib injury is a setback for the team.
Meanwhile, Zebre's recent form has been disappointing, with five consecutive losses and only one win in their last eight matches. Their fourth-place finish in the group stage of the Challenge Cup with two wins, two losses, and two bonus points reflects their mixed performances. In their recent defeat against the Dragons, they fell short with a score of 20-13, dropping to the bottom of the URC standings. With just 15 points in 13 games, including nine bonus points, Zebre's season has been challenging, having only secured one victory and a draw in the URC so far. Their previous matches saw defeats against Leinster, Munster, and Edinburgh, as well as a narrow loss to Pau earlier in the year. Furthermore, Zebre's away record is less than impressive, having secured only one win in their last 30 away games, which occurred against Oyonnax in December last year.
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The Best Betting Odds for Sharks v Zebre Match
| Bookmaker | 1 | X | 2 | Bonus up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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1.09 | 24 | 8.75 |
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1.09 | 24 | 8.75 |
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1.09 | 24 | 8.75 |
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1.09 | 24 | 8.75 |
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|
1.09 | 24 | 8.75 |
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|
1.09 | 36 | 8.1 |
|
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Sharks vs Zebre Form
Sharks and Zebre Last Matches
4/6 (67%)
0/6 (0%)
2/6 (33%)
30 Mar 2024 - Pro 12
23 Mar 2024 - Pro 12
2 Mar 2024 - Pro 12
17 Feb 2024 - Pro 12
21 Jan 2024 - Challenge Cup
13 Jan 2024 - Challenge Cup
4/6 (67%)
0/6 (0%)
2/6 (33%)
30 Mar 2024 - Pro 12
23 Mar 2024 - Pro 12
17 Feb 2024 - Pro 12
13 Jan 2024 - Challenge Cup
6 Jan 2024 - Pro 12
9 Dec 2023 - Challenge Cup
2/6 (33%)
0/6 (0%)
4/6 (67%)
2 Mar 2024 - Pro 12
21 Jan 2024 - Challenge Cup
30 Dec 2023 - Pro 12
17 Dec 2023 - Challenge Cup
12 May 2023 - Currie Cup
8 Apr 2023 - Champions Cup
1/6 (17%)
0/6 (0%)
5/6 (83%)
29 Mar 2024 - Pro 12
23 Mar 2024 - Pro 12
1 Mar 2024 - Pro 12
16 Feb 2024 - Pro 12
20 Jan 2024 - Challenge Cup
13 Jan 2024 - Challenge Cup
1/5 (20%)
0/5 (0%)
4/5 (80%)
23 Mar 2024 - Pro 12
16 Feb 2024 - Pro 12
13 Jan 2024 - Challenge Cup
23 Dec 2023 - Pro 12
9 Dec 2023 - Challenge Cup
1/5 (20%)
0/5 (0%)
4/5 (80%)
29 Mar 2024 - Pro 12
1 Mar 2024 - Pro 12
20 Jan 2024 - Challenge Cup
30 Dec 2023 - Pro 12
16 Dec 2023 - Challenge Cup
Players list
Substitutes
Sharks - Zebre Key Points
- The Sharks topped their group in the group stages of this competition
- The Sharks have won four of their last six matches in all competitions
- The Sharks have won seven of their last ten home games
- Zebre are on a five-match losing streak
- Zebre have only won one of their last 30 away games in all competitions
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Our Sharks vs Zebre Prediction
While Zebre got the better of this opponent earlier in the season, this is likely to be a very different situation, with the side making the long trip down to the Southern Hemisphere. The Sharks, with their URC title hopes gone, are determined to make a deep run in this competition, and we feel they will be too good for the Italians on their home patch. Our Sharks vs Zebre prediction: Sharks -7.5
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
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