Leicester can give Heineken Cup chances boost with Ulster win

When it comes to winning the Heineken Cup the importance of a home quarter final should never be underestimated and Leicester, who face Ulster in their final pool clash , have an opportunity to seal a last eight tie at Welford Road.

Both Leicester and Ulster have already booked a place in the last eight but it’s winner takes all in terms of home advantage for the next round in Leicestershire, with the Tigers 4/7 for victory, while the Irish province are 11/8 with Ladbrokes.

And if Richard Cockerill’s men are to go all the way at 10/1, a price which may not be around for long with victory on Saturday, and lift a third European Cup in their history, they will certainly need a win against the Ulstermen.

From the last 10 editions of the tournament only two teams have overcome an away trip in the first knockout phase to go on and lift the trophy.

On both occasions Leicester have won the European Cup Cockerill’s side have come through match-ups in front of their home fans at the last-eight stage, highlighting the importance of home comforts.

The Tigers have been the victors seven times at Welford Road at the quarter-final stage and have only lost twice but on both occasions they have had to make the trip away from their famous old ground they have lost.

Leicester may not be the force they once were at this level but this is the kind of scenario the club thrives on and with Tigers stalwart Cockerill at the helm you can guarantee they will be up for a battle against Mark Anscombe’s men.

Ulster were 22-16 victors when the two sides met at Ravenhill back in October but Leicester can draw on the fact they beat this opposition 30-10 earlier in the season, albeit in a pre-season friendly.

A tight encounter is expected but side with Leicester at 4/7 for the victory that will book a home quarter-final.