Newcastle Falcons vs Saracens Prediction: Sarries to put Falcons to the sword

Saracens will be eager to make sure they don’t fall behind the early frontrunners in the Premiership standings when they travel to bottom club Newcastle Falcons on Friday night (19:45, TNT Sports Extra).

Below is my Newcastle Falcons vs Saracens prediction, alongside team news and match odds.

Rugby Union Odds

Saracens dropped down to fourth place in the Premiership after losing by three points or fewer to Bristol Bears and Leicester Tigers in their last two top-flight games before the Autumn Nations Series.

Sarries will understandably be desperate to get back to winning ways against a Newcastle side whose surprise win over the Exeter Chiefs has been their only success of the Premiership campaign this term.

Team News

Newcastle have made just one change from the side who overcame Sale Sharks 28-27 in the Premiership Rugby Cup last time out.

Freddie Lockwood is back in at blindside flanker, with Philp van der Walt moving to the second row and Adam Radwan dropping to the bench.

As for the visitors, Sarries will be without Maro Itoje and Ben Earl, who have been given a well-deserved rest after their efforts with England in the tough Autumn Nations Series.

The Kingston Park visitors are boosted by the return of fly-half Fergus Burke, who will partner skipper Ivan Van Zyl in the half-backs.

Elliot Daly returns at full-back, with Rotimi Segun and Tobias Elliott completing a strong back-three.

In the forwards, Juan Martin Gonzalez returns after time away with Argentina to feature in a back-row alongside Toby Knight and Tom Willis.

Gallagher Premiership Odds

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Match Odds

Newcastle are the 4/1 underdogs to claim their second win of the Premiership campaign on Friday night, while Saracens are 1/6 to head back to the capital with the victory.

A draw in the North-east is available at 28/1, while Sarries are 10/11 to successfully concede a start of -6.5 points on the half-time handicap.

Saracens -16 handicap @ 13/10

The return of former Crusaders fly-half Burke is a major factor in why Sarries can overcome a -16 handicap in Friday’s clash at Kingston Park.

Having the New Zealander back in the No.10 jersey should see the Kiwi dictate how Saracens will play, while Burke has the ability to unleash a backline that has a good blend of youth and experience.

Nick Tompkins and Alex Lozowski are a strong partnership in the centres, while 21-year-old winger Elliott should be a threat in the wide channels.

Saracens have won all of their last 26 games against Newcastle in all competitions and can extend that winning run while making light of a 16-point handicap concession.

They won 50-12 on their last visit to Newcastle last season and a similar scoreline might well be on the cards on this occasion.

Rugby Union Betting Tips from Betfred Insights