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Top 14 preview: Round 18

Image: Gael Fickou: Back in action for Toulouse

The Top 14 action gets underway on Friday night when Toulouse look to maintain their impressive home record over Perpignan.

Leaders Toulon will attempt to return to winning ways when they face a familiar foe in the form of Montpellier. Toulon lost to Bordeaux last time out, while they also suffered a setback against Saturday's opponents in the Heineken Cup.

Confidence

Toulon, though, will welcome back scrum-half Sebastien Tillous-Borde after an eight-week absence, while Benjamin Lapeyre is also in the extended squad. Montpellier have yet to win in Toulon since the latter's return to the top division, but will arrive with plenty of confidence having claimed three wins on the road this season. Clermont are also looking to get their season back on track after two defeats but they shouldn't have too many problems at home to lowly Mont-de-Marsan. Clermont have not lost at home in three years, while Mont-de-Marsan have the worst defence in the league. Agen will look to follow up their win over Toulouse when they travel to Grenoble. Agen have won four of their past five meetings with play-off chasing Grenoble, however they are currently stuck in the relegation places. Bordeaux will be without the suspended Patrick Toetu for the trip to Stade Francais, while Racing Metro will be chasing a fifth successive win when they entertain Bayonne.Biarritz will need to toppled fourth-placed Castres if they are to remain in the play-off picture.

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