Support for Gloucester

This weekend marks the start of the Heineken European Cup and already the bookmakers are noting a steady influx of support, especially for the team currently leading the Zurich Premiership, Gloucester.

They're in a tough group alongside beaten finalists Munster and French side Perpignan, who have not been beaten at home for three years.

This is definitely the most competitive group and despite the presence of an Italian team, only one side is likely to emerge for a quarter-final place. Munster's first match away to Gloucester will provide a huge insight into the outcome of the pool.

Leinster have been touted as potential pool winners but they face in Montferrand a French side that has won away and at 5 to 2 (Chronicle) represent good value to top the pool.

The other wager that screams out from the pool betting is the 7 to 1 (Chronicle) for Edinburgh to top Pool Five.

Former All Black Todd Blackadder has done a good job at the Scottish outfit and they find themselves opposing Toulouse, London Irish and Newport. The latter two teams aren't playing well this season and the French side don't travel too well.

Overall Munster and Leinster will have their supporters but former winners, Northampton (16 to 1, Paddy Power, Ladbrokes) look a strong bet to top Pool Six. From there they have the coach, Wayne Smith and players to go close.