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The LV= Cup has reached the semi-finals stage and by the end of the weekend we will know who the 2010 finalists will be.

The first of the two semi-finals is a repeat of last year's final, as the defending champions the Cardiff Blues host Gloucester.

The second semi-final is an all English affair with Northampton Saints hosting Saracens in an eagerly awaited clash.

There is also Six Nations rugby taking place this weekend, so all the teams will be without their internationals and will rely on the depth in their squads to claim a place in the final.

Sunday, March 14

Cardiff Blues v Gloucester
(Cardiff City Stadium - 12:15 GMT)

Last year's final was a one sided affair with the Blues coming out as victors 50-12 over Gloucester at Twickenham.

The reigning Cup holders only defeat in the LV= Cup this season was 11-12 at home to London Irish in round two and the Blues have recorded victories against Newcastle Falcons, the Scarlets and a thrilling 26-25 win in the opening round at Kingsholm thanks to a 79th minute Ceri Sweeney penalty.

The Blues have won on the last four occasions that the two teams have met. The Blues have also won ten of their last eleven home games against English teams in all tournaments.

Gloucester are mid-table in the Guinness Premiership currently with three wins from their last five games and the LV= Cup is likely to be their only chance at silverware this season.

Rugby365 Prediction: The Blues record against English clubs at home speaks for itself and Gloucester will find it tough going in Cardiff - Blues by 12-18.

Teams:

Cardiff Blues: tbc

Gloucester: tbc

Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)

Northampton Saints v Saracens
(Franklin's Gardens - 16:15 GMT)

Saints and Saracens are both having strong seasons, lying second and third respectively in the Premiership table.

Northampton remain the only side with a 100% winning record in this season’s LV= Cup as they aim to go one step further than last year when they were eliminated at this stage by Cardiff Blues.

The Saints have a formidable record at Franklin’s Gardens with a run of 18 straight victories since Newcastle won there 19-13 on February 28, 2009.

Saracens are hot on the heels of the Saints just one place behind the East Midlanders in the Premiership table. Sarries have however slipped to three straight defeats and have not won on the road since their visit to Leeds in the LV= Cup on January 29.

The two teams have already met twice this season with Saracens victorious 19-16 at Wembley Stadium in the Guinness Premiership on September 12 and Northampton triumphing 19-3 at Franklin’s Gardens in the LV= Cup on November 14. Sarries have not won at Franklin’s Gardens since a 35-13 scoreline in the Premiership in November 2006.

Rugby365 Prediction: Franklin's Gardens has been a fortress for Saints in recent times and Sarries are low on confidence with three defeats in a row - Saints by 6-10.

Teams:

Northampton Saints: tbc

Saracens: tbc

Referee: Romain Poite (France)