Everyone’s favourite second-string tournament returns this evening, and I’m slightly disappointed to see that nobody has to go to Siberia in December. Presumably that’s by design…

Here are my predictions for this weekend’s Challenge Cup matches.

Toulouse v Lyon
Always back the home team in an all-French affair. Toulouse by 7.

Agen v Pau
As above, home team to win, even if the bookies are backing Pau. Agen by 2.

Stade Francais v Krasny Yar Krasnoyarsk
This French team doesn’t seem particularly interested in this tournament, but you have to pick them at home. I might put £1 on Krasny though, at 67/1. Stade by 18.

Dragons v Enisei-STM
Again, you’d expect another comfortable home win here, with the Russians a long way from home in Newport. Dragons by 13.

Zebre v Gloucester
The high-flying cherry-and-whites are likely to pick a young team for this trip to Italy, but their hosts won’t be too fussed about the result either. Gloucester by 13.

Sale v Cardiff
This is a tricky one to pick, with bottom versus top in Pool 2. All the games have been won by fine margins though, and home advantage has me leaning towards Sale, even though they’ll likely pick a second-string team. Sale by 2

Worcester v Oyonnax
This should be a home win for the Warriors. Worcester by 6.

Newcastle v Bordeaux
The Falcons should do the double over Bordeaux, with a home win over the travel-shy French. Newcastle by 8.

Edinburgh v London Irish
The Scots are the only side to yield maximum points from their two matches so far, with two bonus-point wins. I can’t see London Irish putting up much of a fight here, with bigger concerns on the domestic front. Edinburgh by 18.

Brive v Connacht
This feels like a 50/50 pick really, but whilst you shouldn’t ever back a French team away, they are usually tough to beat at home. Brive by 4.

Follow Hutch on Twitter: @Hutch_James