Heineken Champions Cup: Sale Sharks vs. Ospreys

Sale Sharks are in the hunt of taking on Osprey in the upcoming match on Sunday and making it to the qualifying stages. Since the start of this season, Sale Sharks were among the favorites to make it to the knockout stages. With the return of Raffi Quirke, England's scrumhalf in their lineup, Sale Sharks are confident of dominating Osprey and keeping their hopes high for winning the championship this year.

Tom is likely to miss the contest in the upcoming match between Sale Sharks and Osprey. However, Flanker Ben, his brother, is all set to take his spot and make an impact. Some of the impact performers from Osprey might be missing the match, and in their place, young players like Harri Deaves would be appearing in his debut game.

Sale Sharks: The Hot Favorites

With the glorifying presence of Simon Hammersley, Robert du Preez, Captain Jono Ross, and Raffi Quirke, Sale Sharks are on the roll of entering the knockout stage as hot favorites. Considering the overall gameplay of Sale Sharks and their bench strength, waiting for a call-up, Sale Sharks can be declared as favorites. Though Sales would be playing, they're at their home against Osprey; for the record, Sale's haven't done considerably well in home games. In the past, they have just managed to put up a show in only 2 games out of 12.

With seasoned match winners and furious bench strength this season, Sale Sharks can defiantly seize the opportunity and win the encounter at home. Their captain Jono Ross would be oozing in confidence to play the knockout stages with a win over Osprey, which hasn't been in form, really.

Key Players for Sale Sharks:

• Simon Hammersley;
• Robert du Preez;
• Jono Ross;
• Raffi Quirke;
• Ben Curry.

Osprey: In the Hunt of a Win

Toby Booth, Osprey's head coach, is confident about his boys bouncing back at the opposition and giving a tough time in the field. Moreover, Toby added that Sale is very confident and proud about their approach in the game. The clash between Osprey, who are hunting for a decent win, and Sale Sharks would be played in the best spirits of the game. With the lights of Dan Evans, Michael Collins, Tom Botha, Lloyd Ashley, captain Adam Beard, and Ethan Roots, Osprey is finding the best combination for the win against Sale Sharks.

With Joe Hawkins, Matthew Aubrey, and Tiaan Thomas Wheeler among the replacements, Osprey is expected to put up a decent show and match the skills and smartness of their opponents' Sale Sharks.

Key Players for Ospreys:

• Matthew Aubrey;
• Adam Beard;
• Dan Evans;
• Llyod Ashley;
• Ethan Roots.

Odds and Predictions:

Considering both sides' squads and pre-match preparations, the upcoming encounter would be a close game, where both teams would be putting in their pride and determination.