Northampton Saints vs Scarlets Prediction: Davies’ return to make little difference

Northampton Saints will go in search of their third win in this season's Investec Champions Cup when they take on Scarlets in Pool 4 on Sunday afternoon (15:15, Premier Sports 1). Scarlets will be led by Nigel Davies as he makes his return to top-flight rugby after an 11-year absence.

The 60-year-old has returned as interim director of rugby, with Scarlets relieving performance director Leigh Jones of his duties earlier this week. Scarlets are bottom of the United Rugby Championship and have lost all three of their Champions Cup ties so far. Read on for my Northampton Saints vs Scarlets predictions.

Team News

Northampton's Fraser Dingwall returns to captain the side, but England fly-half Fin Smith has been ruled out with a calf strain. Anthony Belleau and Alex Mitchell will form the half-back partnership as a result.

Tommy Freeman gets the chance to impress at centre, while two changes in the front row see Emmanuel Iyogun and Robbie Smith come into the side. Chunya Munga joins JJ van Der Mescht in the second row.

Scarlets have made three changes from the 47-38 defeat by Pau last week. Wales fly-half Sam Costelow returns, as do full-back Jack Davies and lock Max Douglas.

The visitors are unable to call upon the services of Tom Rogers due to a groin injury, so Blair Murray moves to left wing and Joe Hawkins returns to midfield to partner Eddie James.

Joe Roberts is also unavailable due to injury.

Northampton Saints vs Scarlets Odds

Northampton are the overwhelming favourites for Sunday's tie at 1/150, with the draw 28/1 and Scarlets considered 18/1 outsiders.

The handicap line has been set at -28, while Northampton are 4/5 to cover the -13.5 first-half handicap.

Both Edoardo Todaro and Freeman are odds on to score anytime at 8/15, while the pair are 15/2 to score first.

Northampton Saints -27 @ 5/6

Scarlets' players and coaches have had a turbulent few days and that is not exactly ideal preparation for this clash.

The Llanelli side have "simplified things" in training, according to Davies, and he hopes that a new voice can bring change.

While Davies claims the Scarlets players have bought into the new regime, they still face a huge uphill challenge this weekend.

Northampton were thumped 50-28 by Bordeaux Begles last time out, but that was only their second defeat of the campaign. Director of rugby, Phil Dowson, has seen his team land try bonus points in 11 of their 12 fixtures across The Prem and Champions Cup.

Before their defeat to Bordeaux, Northampton had scored at least 41 points in four consecutive games and they should be able to post another big score against a Scarlets team that have conceded 114 in three games in Europe.

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