Exeter Chiefs vs Northampton Saints Prediction: Saints to push Chiefs close at Sandy Park

Saturday's game at Sandy Park promises to be a cracker as Exeter host Northampton at 15:00.

The visiting Saints have won their last four league games and start Round 11 top of the standings, a point clear of the Chiefs, who have been perfect at home this season and grabbed a rare away victory in the form of last week's 24-14 success at Bristol.

Northampton beat Sale 21-17 in their last game but the Sharks and Harlequins are both in action on Friday and may have leapfrogged these teams by the time the game in Devon kicks off.

With three points separating the top six and seventh-placed Leicester looking to close that gap against Saracens in Saturday's other match, every point looks set to count in the race for the top four.

Exeter and Northampton both have had their doubters before the start of the season, but their current form means Saturday's match provides the opportunity for the sides to cement their play-off claims.

Team News

Exeter have made five changes to their line-up, with Jack Yeandle rotating back in at hooker, Lewis Pearson starting at lock and Jacques Vermeulen restored to the back-row.

Joe Hawkins is included at inside centre, while Tommy Wyatt returns at fullback.

For Northampton, George Furbank, fresh from signing a new contract, leads the side from fullback and will be looking to maintain his unbeaten run as skipper.

Tarek Haffer makes his first Premiership start at loosehead prop and is joined in the forwards by Alex Coles, who packs down at number six after joining Furbank in signing a new deal earlier this week.

Match Odds

Exeter lead the match betting at 1/4, with a tie 22/1 and the Saints 3/1. The handicap on Exeter is -10 and priced at 10/11.

Exeter by 1-12 points inclusive @ 19/10

Northampton have been magnificent in recent weeks, with Lee Radford providing extra structure after being appointed defence coach in the summer.

Their improved shape has helped them repel the likes of Saracens and Sale in the league, as well as three-time European champions Toulon in Europe.

Phil Dowson's side also won November's reverse fixture 34-19 but that was at Franklin's Gardens and while Exeter have also beaten Toulon, and more recently Bristol on the road, it is at home where the Chiefs are happiest.

Rob Baxter's side have not lost at Sandy Park since October 2022, a run stretching back 23 games in all competitions and have hammered both Sarries and Sale in Devon this season.

They also beat Leicester 29-10 in their last home outing but things had been a touch tighter prior to that, with their wins over Bristol, Gloucester and Munster all coming by nine or fewer points.

Exeter's imperious form makes them the obvious favourites and they should win. However, the spirited Saints are unlikely to be blown away.

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