Magners League Betting 17th & 18th April

Well I've calmed down a bit after last weekends heroics by Leinster and punting prowess. Hopefully we'll be as successful in the punting and keep the nice roll going.

Edinburgh v Leinster

Cheika came out after last week's game and said his players were 'broken' after the win against Quins. The team selection clearly shows that some players are broken and can't even make the the flight over. Leinster's strength in depth has improved in recent seasons however it is more because of players being pushed out of their position and falling down the pecking order at this stage than a new breed of fringe players. Really this is possibly the worst team they could field. Although O'Brien and McFadden are good players, the front row and second row are seriously short of game time and most likely ability. These Leinster players aren't sharp and don't have that much game time especially in the pack.

Edinburgh, who didn't play great two weeks but got a strong result, 16-3 against Cardiff (who went on to beat Toulouse), again name another strong squad here. Leinster's inexperienced front row will suffer (and I'd be surprised if they last). They don't have Rocky who has carried them over the line for numerous games this season and Nacewa at ten is worrying. Edinburgh have strong kickers (they are scoring plenty of drop goals) and play a similar style to the England squad Robinson was involved in, keep the scoreboard ticking over. It won't be a try fest barring terrible defensive errors but won by kickers, of which Leinster don't have one. Nacewa kicked for the Blues but if he was good why hasn't he stepped in for Felipe or even take a few long pot shots?

This game last season saw Leinster lose by 3 points against a weaker Edinburgh side and they (Leinster) were at full strength, remember Edinburgh are genearlly excellent at home. I don't think these fringe Leinster players can focus and keep up the league push here, unfortunately.

Recommendation:- Edinburgh -11pts @2.5 for 1.5points on Paddy P's.

Some more Magners league betting predictions and previews by click here

Glasgow v Ulster

Ulster lost two weeks ago against what can only be described as a weakend Ospreys team who's first squad were royally whipped last week. Previously before that they lost by around 25points against Leinster who can't score tries. Matt Williams this season has been saying all the right things but it looks like the spark that they produced around the festive season may have fizzled now that they don't have anything to play for.

Glasgow themselves (as predicted by me!) won away against Llanelli. The Scarlets are all over the place at the moment but stilll it was a very respectable result and try tally by Glasgow and they can play when up for it. I think they'll continue against an improving but ultimately average Ulster defence. Ulster have conceded on average since Jan 23.2points each game on the road whilst the Dragons don't seem to have problems scoring tries but conede a few.

So it should be an open enough game and but with Cave and Nagusa not playing for Ulster (because of form issues) they lack some real pace and O'Connor isn't a game turner at 10 yet, so I can't see where the points are coming from. The Evans brothers are quality Magners league players who in good playing conditions (which it should be tomorrow night) will look to reverse the 12-0 loss to Ulster in March in terrible conditions.

Recommendation: Glasgow -6 for 2pts on Betfair at 2.0. Over 38.5pt @1.95 for 1pt on Betfair

Some more Magners league betting predictions and previews by click here