Perpignan v Viadana
Pool 2, 1830BST, 12 Oct

Viadana are Italian champions and have southern hemisphere experience in the backline and a measure of grunt up front, but should prove no match for Perpignan.

What passes as forward power in Italy is likely to be shoved aside by a Perpignan pack that is both brutal and relentless.

Montferrand v Swansea
Pool 4, 1930BST, 12 Oct

New Swansea coach John Connolly is expecting a baptism of fire away to Montferrand.

Swansea were overwhelmed by Llanelli recently, while Montferrand are unbeaten in 19 European home matches.

Cardiff v Biarritz
1730BST, Pool 6, 12 Oct

Cardiff, the perennial Welsh underachievers, will be demanding victory in their opening game, but could succumb to a fired-up Biarritz.

The French champions crashed out last year as a consequence of limp home and away defeats to a modest Bath side.

Northampton's home form could prove too much for Ulster.