Although I can’t disguise my indifference to the Challenge Cup, the Champions Cup is always exciting, and this is the critical round in terms of making or breaking a European season.

I cancelled Sky Sports this week for the first time ever, given the lack of Rugby until June, but now I have a feeling of dread that if I do find time to watch a game – in between shepherding kids to see Father Christmas and tempering their festive over-excitedness – it will be one of the Sky matches.

Here are my predictions for Round 3 of the Champions Cup.

Glasgow v Montpellier
Having said this that Round 3 was critical, if you go into it with two defeats like these two sides – and 0 points in the case of Glasgow – the season is pretty much over already. The French are bringing a strong lineup, with a massive pack, Aaron Cruden at 10 and Nemani Nadolo out wide, and even though I can only count 4 Frenchmen in the starting side, I still can’t back the French away from home. Glasgow has a strong side themselves, and with the general optimism around Scottish Rugby at the moment, they should beat Montpellier at home. Glasgow by 4.

Scarlets v Treviso
The Italians are yet to yield a try-scoring bonus point, having kept Bath to 3 tries at the Rec and pushed Toulon very close at home. But the Scarlets desperately need 5 points from this match to stand any chance of qualifying, so they should look to play an expansive game and it could be fun to watch. Scarlets by 23.

Toulon v Bath
This should be a cracker in Toulon (and of course it’s on Sky), with both sides on 8 points and aware that only team is now likely to emerge from this group. A losing bonus point is a minimum requirement for Bath, and the French do look slightly vulnerable, having only beaten both Scarlets and Treviso by a solitary point. They have won 6 and lost 6 in the Top 14 so far, including a defeat at home by Racing last month. The lineups aren’t yet available, the smart money is on a home win, but I think Bath can do it. Bath by 4.

Northampton v Ospreys
Things are looking fairly bleak for both these teams, although the Ospreys have half a chance having picked up 3 bonus points from their two defeats so far. The Saints have been off the pace again in recent weeks, and this won’t be a priority for them, so I can see the Ospreys sneaking it. Ospreys by 3.

Castres v Racing
This is a very tough group, with Castres at the bottom with one draw and one defeat – but they are unbeaten in the Top 14 since the last round of European action. And the home team always wins in France. Castres by 6.

Munster v Leicester
Two European heavyweights go head to head at Thomond Park, where the local fans have still not forgiven Neil Back. The Tigers have lost two in a row in the Aviva Premiership, including a defeat at home to Worcester, and so going to Thomond Park to win feels like a stretch. And those crafty Irish will be desperate to concede even a losing bonus point. Munster by 8.

La Rochelle v Wasps
The big-spending French are in pole position with two 5-point wins so far in Europe, and they are also leading the Top 14. It’s a very tough trip for Wasps, and despite improved form in the league, I can’t see them turning over La Rochelle. La Rochelle by 13.

Harlequins v Ulster
Everyone is chasing La Rochelle in this group, and Quins look the least likely to catch them at this stage. Back-to-back bonus-point wins over Ulster would give them a chance, if the French slip up somewhere along the way, but I can’t really see either happening. Ulster have more of a chance, but their away form isn’t great – they even lost to Zebre a few weeks ago – and Quins are tough to beat at the Stoop. Harlequins by 7.

Saracens v Clermont
This is a huge match, with the home team struggling somewhat for form. They have lost three matches in a row in the league, for the first time since (someone told me the stat and I have forgotten it). Sarries always seem to pick themselves up and reach a different level in Europe though, so I’m still leaning towards the home side.
Clermont have not won an away match in the Top 14 yet, although they came close with a draw at bottom-of-the-log Oyonnax, and I never back the French away from home. Saracens by 8.

Exeter v Leinster
There’s a great double-header in store over the next two weekends, which will likely decide the outcome of this group. Winning at home is key for both sides, and Exeter is yet to lose at Sandy Park this season, but playing Leinster in Europe is a different proposition. For all their achievements, the Chiefs have still not graduated to heavyweight status in my mind, but I really need to stop underestimating them. Exeter by 4.

What do you think? Feel free to share your predictions in the comments below, and don’t forget to take me on in Superbru by joining our Predictor league here.

Have a great weekend.

Follow Hutch on Twitter: @Hutch_James