Darry Worthington takes a look at the two Round 9 PRO14 fixtures that are being played on Thursday the 26th of December.
Rugby fans are in for a treat this Boxing Day with two Welsh derbies taking place. The first of the two fixtures will see the Cardiff Blues square off with the Newport-Gwent Dragons, while the second fixture pits the Llanelli Scarlets up against the Ospreys.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Cardiff Blues v Gwent Dragons
Thursday 26 December
Cardiff Arms Park
17:00
To Win (80 Mins)
Blues 1/8
Draw 30/1
Dragons 5/1
The Blues will be looking to build on their three-point victory over the Ospreys when they take on a Dragons side that beat the Scarlets 22-20 this past weekend.
Both teams haad been in patchy form leading into last week’s derby fixtures having each won two of their last four games. Their Round 8 victories were vital to their play-off prospects and another win here would lay a good platform headed into the new year.
In terms of recent head-to-head results, the Blues have won the last five fixtures between the sides with two of these victories being by more than seven points.
Verdict: Cardiff 1/8
I’m not going against the form guide here. I fully expect the Blues to make it six wins in six against their domestic foes.
Llanelli Scarlets v Ospreys
Thursday 26 December
Parc Y Scarlets
19:15
To Win (80 Mins)
Scarlets 2/13
Draw 25/1
Ospreys 9/2
The struggling Scarlets will be looking to end Boxing Day on a high note when they take on an Ospreys side that is also in desperate need of a positive result.
As noted earlier in the piece, both teams suffered defeats this past weekend, although the Ospreys will likely be more agitated by theirs as they went down on home soil.
In terms of recent head-to-head results between the duo, the last four games have been won by the team that has hosted the fixture.
Verdict: Scarlets 2/13
Again, I will not be going against history here. My money is firmly on the hosts taking the spoils.
