Saracens vs ASM Clermont Auvergne Prediction: Sarries to send Clermont packing

A team with a good blend of youth and experience, Saracens will take some stopping in their European Rugby Championship opener on Saturday (13:00 GMT, Premier Sports 2) when they host Clermont Auvergne at StoneX Stadium.

Below are my Saracens vs ASM Clermont Auvergne predictions, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the clash in north London.

Saracens vs ASM Clermont Auvergne Odds

Saracens are the heavy favourites for this one in north London, with the hosts at 1/8 for the win.

Clermont are 6/1 underdogs for this clash at StoneX Stadium, while the draw is currently available at 22/1.

Team News

Starting with Saracens, Rhys Carre, James Hadfield and Marcus Street start in the front row, with Nick Isiekwe and Hugh Tizard in the second row.

Theo McFarland, Andy Onyeama-Christie and Tom Willis form the back row, with skipper Ivan van Zyl and Owen Farrell in the half-backs.

Nick Tompkins and Lucio Cinti form the centre partnership, while Sarries go with a back three of Max Malins, Noah Caluori and Elliot Daly.

As for a Clermont side with eight changes, Sacha Lotrian, Étienne Fourcade and Cristian Ojovan start in the front row, with Thibaud Lanen and Tevita Ratuva in the second row.

Antoine Chalus, Anthime Hemery and Selevasio Tolofua start in the back row, with Baptiste Jauneau and Harry Plummer in the half-backs.

Irae Simone and Alex Newsome start in the centres, while Bautista Delguy, Lucas Tauzin and Axel Guillaud form the back three for the visitors.

Saracens -18 handicap @ 21/20

With seven of the Clermont side preparing for their first game in the Champions Cup, this is a largely inexperienced team heading to StoneX Stadium this weekend.

Facing Sarries on their own patch is tough at the best of times, but the lack of European experience in this Clermont side makes the challenge even greater.

Having an eye on more winnable home games in Europe and big Top 14 clashes to come, Clermont seem to have their priorities elsewhere, and the hosts can take full advantage.

This is a Saracens pack with size, while Farrell will be the one pulling the strings as the starting fly-half.

With pace to burn in the wide channels, with the likes of Malins, Caluori and Daly all dangerous in open space, Sarries will be able to test this Clermont defence throughout the 80 minutes.

With home advantage and against a Clermont side who might have their focus elsewhere, the hosts should not only win on Saturday afternoon but look more than capable of overcoming the sizeable -18 handicap in the process.

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