Thrilling climax expected

And centenary celebrating ASM Clermont Auvergne haven't a spare ticket left for their Pool 4 shoot-out with Ulster Rugby at the 18,000 capacity Stade Marcel Michelin as both teams seek to reach the last eight.

Meanwhile, Leicester Tigers have sold more than 21,000 of Welford Road's 24,000 capacity for their last round clash with Aironi Rugby and Connacht's Sportsground is already more than two thirds full for the visit of Harlequins in Pool 6.

In the other game in Pool 6 Gloucester host Toulouse at Kingsholm and the Cherry and Whites are expecting a crowd of 13,000 on Friday evening.

Edinburgh Rugby are hopeful of breaking their Heineken Cup record gate of 7,711 against London Wasps at Murrayfield in 2008 for their vital Pool 2 game against London Irish.

The Scottish side currently sit on top of the Pool, but must achieve a better points return than second placed Cardiff Blues on Sunday in order to guarantee a place in the quarter-finals for only the second time in their history.

The Blues, who also have 17 points from five games, have a better record over the two matches between the clubs and will leapfrog Edinburgh in the final placings if they tie. Cardiff City Stadium is ready to welcome a season's high crowd - 10,660 against the Dragons is the best so far - for the visit of Racing Metro 92.