- Edinburgh 1-12 points (17/10, Paddy Power)
To describe this Scottish derby as eagerly-awaited would make even the most unbashed publicist blush.
When you take into account the form of the teams, the stodgy fare served up the last time they met and weather conditions more suited to nine-man rugby, it may be a good thing no crowds are allowed inside Scotstoun at Saturday tea-time (kick-off, 5.15pm).
However, the rearranged 1872 Cup clash is welcome fare for all rugby punters who are being treated to slim pickings at the moment with the suspension of European competition and the Gallagher Premiership’s two-week break.
A 10-7 victory at Murrayfield a fortnight ago means the capital club have now won 11 out of the last 16 meetings with their country rivals.
In winning at home, Edinburgh made just one clean break all game and their attacking play has been well below-par compared to last year’s stats.
However, they are unlikely to need to score that many points against a Glasgow side that has managed just seven points of its own in its last two outings and has failed to build on an impressive 19-10 win at Cardiff Blues at the end of November.
Leone Nakarawa is set to return to action for the first since February and that will only help Glasgow as an attacking force.
But this is likely to be a game won by the forwards, not any single individual, even if it is being played on an artificial track.
Even without Jamie Ritchie, who has just signed what Edinburgh described as the longest-ever in the club’s history, and Stuart MInally, they look to have the edge in the forwards.
To counter the loss of those two Scotland internationals, Bem Toolis returns to the Edinburgh engine room alongside Grant Gilchrist.
With Hamish Watson and Magnus Bradbury selected in the back row, they will look to have dominance in that area, too.
VERDICT: Edinburgh to take the bragging rights after another tight, low-scoring match.
