Bulls vs Saracens Prediction: Farrell return can inspire Sarries success

Owen Farrell’s return to the starting line-up could be key for Saracens, as the Premiership outfit prepare to take on the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in the European Champions Cup on Saturday.

After announcing a break from international rugby with England ahead of the 2024 Six Nations, Farrell is fully focused on bringing success to Sarries this season.

While it will certainly be a challenge to come away from Pretoria with a victory, there are enough Test match animals in the Saracens line-up to deliver a positive result in the southern hemisphere this weekend.

Match Odds

The Bulls are the favourites to come out on top in this one at 4/7 for a home victory, while Saracens are 6/4 to claim the spoils.

A tie in Pretoria is available at odds of 18/1.

Team News

Starting with the hosts, the Bulls welcome back club co-captain Marcell Coetzee from suspension to the bench for the arrival of three-time European champions Saracens.

Director of rugby Jake White has named a largely unchanged side from the team who beat the Sharks 44-10 in the United Rugby Championship last Saturday.

Embrose Papier and Johan Goosen form the halfback pairing, while further down the backline Kurt-Lee Arendse and Wille le Roux will be looking to cause the Sarries’ defence issues.

As for the visitors, Saracens have made six changes from the side who suffered an 18-12 defeat last time out against Northampton Saints in the Premiership.

The most important change comes in the No.10 jersey with talisman Farrell back from a minor knee injury for a game that feels more like a Test match than a Champions Cup encounter.

Fellow England internationals Mako Vunipola and Jamie George both return to the front row alongside Alec Clarey.

In the backline, scrum-half Ivan van Zyl will come up against his former club, while Saracens director Mark McCall has plenty of experience in the back three with Sean Maitland, Alex Lewington and Alex Goode all starting.

Saracens to win @ 6/4

Saracens are a different beast with Farrell back at fly-half and the other returning England stars in the pack will also give the visitors a huge lift.

This is an experienced Sarries squad who have been through so much together over the years and have a habit of finding ways to win games like these.

A strong start will be key for the Premiership side, as this Bulls team can build up a head of steam if they get their tails up in the early stages.

Expect Saracens to look for territory early on and force the penalties to try to give Farrell opportunities from the kicking tee.

Sarries have been there and got the T-shirt when it comes to these high-pressure Champions Cup clashes and McCall’s side are good value at 6/4 to head back to England with a win.

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