Northampton Saints vs Leicester Tigers Prediction: Tigers can claim bragging rights

It might only be the Prem Rugby Cup, but the long-standing rivalry between Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers should add some extra spice on Saturday (15:05, TNT Sports 1) to this clash at Franklin's Gardens.

Alex Jack provides his best bets in his Northampton Saints vs Leicester Tigers prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for this showdown in the East Midlands.

Team News

Starting with Northampton, Saints have gone with Oliver Scola, Henry Walker and Cleopas Kundiona in the front row, with Ed Prowse and Tom Lockett in the engine room.

Archie Benson, Charlie Ulcoq and Sam Graham complete the pack, with Archie McParland and James Pater starting in the half-backs.

Toby Thame and Billy Pasco combine in the centres, while the hosts have gone for a back three of Amena Caqusau, Ollie Sleightholme and James Martin.

As for Leicester, the Tigers have selected a front row consisting of Archie Van Der Flier, Finn Theobold-Thomas and Will Hurd.

Harry Wells and Tom Manz combine in the second row, while Harry Palmer, Sam Williams and skipper Hanro Liebenberg complete the pack.

Ollie Allan starts at scrum-half with the experienced James O’Connor outside him at stand-off.

Joseph Woodward and Izaia Perese start in the centres, while Ryan Crowley, George Pearson and Orlando Bailey start in the back three for the Tigers.

Northampton Saints vs Leicester Tigers Odds

Northampton Saints are 4/5 to claim the victory on Saturday afternoon, while rivals Leicester Tigers are available at 1/1 to head back across the East Midlands with the spoils. A draw at The Gardens is currently 18/1.

Leicester Tigers to win @ 1/1

These sides faced off in the last round of the Prem Rugby Cup at Welford Road in November and it was Leicester who triumphed with a 34-22 victory on home turf.

While heading to the home of their old foes Northampton will make things more difficult for the Tigers, they have a couple of key experienced heads to get them through Saturday's showdown.

Recently returning from injury, Liebenberg gets more valuable minutes on the field and his influence at number eight will be key for the Tigers this weekend.

No other side in the Prem Rugby Cup will be able to field a fly-half with the experience and quality of Australia star O'Connor this weekend.

Despite his advancing years, the 35-year-old still has the ability to unlock defences, while his kicking game will be an important weapon for Leicester in this East Midlands derby.

Saints have lost their last two Prem Rugby Cup games against Newcastle Red Bulls and Leicester and it looks like the Tigers can complete a double over their neighbours in this competition on Saturday.

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