US Oyonnax vs Cheetahs Prediction & Betting Tips - Challenge Cup

Prediction published on 19/01/2024, 09:00  by Devesh Jaganath in Challenge Cup Predictions

Oyonnax will play host to the Free State Cheetahs in Round four of the EPCR Challenge Cup on Saturday evening. The hosts are at the bottom of Pool 1 after three matches, while the visitors are second. Oyonnax suffered a 38-7 defeat against the Sharks in Durban during Round 3 last weekend, sealing their fate at the bottom of the Pool 1 standings with just 1 point. This match marks their final Challenge Cup appearance of the season. In their previous fixtures, Oyonnax faced a 24-7 loss to the Dragons in an away game and a 21-14 defeat at home against Zebre Parma. In the French Top 14 standings, Oyonnax currently sits third from the bottom with a record of 5 wins and 7 defeats. Despite occupying the bottom position in Pool 1 with only one point, Joe El-Abd's team is determined to avoid concluding their European campaign without a victory and will be boosted by the return of their first-team players here after sending out a youthful squad to Durban last week. 

Concluding Round 3, the Cheetahs secured the second position in Pool 1 with nine points. The Sharks lead with 12 points, Zebre Parma and Section Paloise both have eight, and the Dragons hold seven. A victory in their upcoming match will secure a place in the Round of 16 for the Cheetahs. In their first match away to Zebre in Parma, the Cheetahs emerged victorious with a scoreline of 33-15, falling just short of a bonus point. During Round 2, in a local derby against the Sharks, the Cheetahs led 15-7 at halftime. Despite several lead changes in the second half, they managed to secure a 32-29 victory by scoring their fourth try with 6 minutes remaining. Despite the disappointing loss to Pau in the Netherlands last week, the Cheetahs maintain their second position in Pool 1. With their resilient group of players, they may potentially spring a surprise in east France.