Glasgow Warriors vs Scarlets – Match Preview

By Peter Ryan – @PeterRyanSports

After a long break, the URC is finally back! This Friday, Dwayne Peel’s Scarlets will head to Glasgow to take on the reigning champions in what promises to be a thrilling match.

Both teams are in good form, with the Scarlets on a three-game winning streak and the Warriors currently second in the table.

This sets the stage for an exciting game with plenty of betting opportunities.

Glasgow Warriors

The Glasgow Warriors are one of the most formidable forces in European rugby today.

Franco Smith has a side full of seasoned internationals operating at a very high level and would fancy their chances against any other team on the planet.

They are currently second in the table and will hope to close the gap on Leinster with a win over the West Walian side.

Scoring points has been refined, as they average 25 points per game and concede fewer than 20.

Their team boasts tremendous depth, with key players such as Stafford McDowall being instrumental in Glasgow’s attack in the centre.

McDowall also had an impressive showing on the international stage against Portugal during the autumn break.

Back-rower Sione Vailanu is a real game-changer with his dynamic ball-carrying. Sebastián Cancelliere is electrifying on the wing and always causes problems for the opposition.

Glasgow will aim to put on a great display in front of their home crowd against their Welsh opponents.

Scarlets

There was little hope for the Scarlets heading into the new season; on paper, it was expected to be another struggle for Peel’s team.

However, if the first blocks of games are anything to go by, they could aim for a playoff position come springtime.

They have shown a lot of resilience and flashes of brilliance as they currently sit in fifth place and are on a three-game winning streak.

The Scarlets are coming off a commanding win against Zebre Parma, where they secured a bonus-point victory with a 30-8 scoreline.

Yet, the more significant result came before that: they defeated the Vodacom Bulls in front of an ecstatic Parc y Scarlets crowd in a magical night in West Wales.

Many exciting talents in the squad will look to make an impact against the Warriors. Ioan Lloyd has been a vital part of the Scarlets’ recent success.

His daring attack has been crucial to the backline shape, and you can always trust him to slot the ball through the uprights.

Lloyd’s halfback partner, Gareth Davies, is a fantastic player with quick service and a flair for exploiting defensive gaps.

The leadership Davies brings as a former Welsh international is crucial, as he is an brilliant figurehead for a young team. The backline is full of explosive players such as Blair Murray, Johnny Williams, and Macs Page. The Scarlets will look to carry their momentum to shock the world and cause an upset in Scotland.

The Bets

Whenever these two sides meet, it’s always a thrilling contest that offers exciting betting options.

The best bet is for Glasgow to win by more than 18 points, given their depth and home advantage.

However, the Scarlets could make it a much tighter match than expected. For those who like a long shot, the Scarlets to stay within six points or win could be worth your while.

They have shown the ability to handle the best, and there should be players with a lot to prove as the competition resumes.

Best Bet: Glasgow to win by more than 18 points – 10/11
Value Bet: Glasgow to have a winning margin between 8 and 14 – 7/2
Longshot Bet: Scarlets to stay within six points or win – 9/2

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