USA Perpignan vs Lions Prediction & Betting Tips - Challenge Cup

Prediction published on 08/12/2023, 09:30  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 08/12/2023 at 12:37 in Challenge Cup Predictions

Perpignan will get their 2023-24 EPCR Challenge Cup campaign underway on Sunday when they play host to the Lions. The hosts are struggling in the current Top 14 season. They are sitting second from the bottom with only two wins, seven defeats, and eight log points, while their conceded points total of 327 is the highest in the competition. In the previous Challenge Cup season, Perpignan lost all 4 pool matches, securing only 1 bonus point and falling short of advancing to the knockout rounds. However, the home team will take inspiration from the fact that both of their victories this season came at home, although they face a confident opponent who are coming off two impressive wins. Following this, Perpignan will travel to face Benetton and the Ospreys before concluding their fixtures with a home match against the Newcastle Falcons.

Meanwhile, the Lions have ample motivation to kick off the competition strongly against Perpignan, fueled by their impressive performance last season, where they reached the quarter-finals. The team is riding high on confidence with back-to-back victories in the Vodacom URC, securing a ninth position on the log with three wins and four defeats. Their recent URC form includes consecutive home wins over Zebre (61-19) and the Dragons (49-24), along with an away victory at the Scarlets, earning bonus points in all outings. In the previous Challenge Cup season, the Lions won two, drew one, and lost one in pool matches. Notably, they secured progress with a 30-25 victory over the Dragons in Wales. The major question mark over the Lions for this match is around their team selection, with Ivan van Rooyen opting for a new-look squad featuring several younger players.