Saracens vs Exeter Chiefs Prediction: Sarries to send Chiefs packing

Welcoming back a host of big names to their starting XV, Saracens will take some stopping on Saturday (15:00 GMT, Discovery+) when they host Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher Prem.

Below are my Saracens vs Exeter Chiefs predictions, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the showdown at StoneX Stadium.

Team News

Saracens have opted for a front row of Rhys Carre, Theo Dan and Marcus Street, with the duo of Nick Isiekwe and Hugh Tizard in the second row.

Juan Martin Gonzalez, Ben Earl and Tom Willis complete the pack, with Ivan van Zyl and Owen Farrell in the half-backs.

Nick Tompkins and Lucio Cinti combine in the centres, while the hosts have a lightning-quick back three of Max Malins, Noah Caluori and Elliot Daly.

As for the Chiefs, Exeter have gone with a front row of Will Goodrick-Clarke, Jack Yeandle and Bachuki Tchumbadze.

Skipper Dafydd Jenkins is joined by Andrea Zambonin in the second row, while the back row consists of Tom Hooper, Ethan Roots and Greg Fisilau.

Stephen Varney and Harvey Skinner start in the half-backs, with the formidable combo of Len Ikitau and Henry Slade in the centres.

Completing the XV for the Chiefs, Campbell Ridl, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Olly Woodburn start from the off in the back three.

Saracens vs Exeter Chiefs Odds

Saracens are the heavy favourites at 2/9 for the win, while Exeter are 10/3 to head back to the West Country with the victory.

A draw at StoneX Stadium is 22/1, while Saracens to be leading at the half-time and full-time whistle is 4/7.

Saracens -13 handicap @ 21/20

Director of Rugby Mark McCall has made no less than 11 changes to his side from the team that were beaten 28-23 in Durban by the Sharks in the European Rugby Champions Cup last weekend.

That was a valiant effort in South Africa by Sarries, who recall a host of their superstar players for Saturday’s clash with the Chiefs.

Having Farrell back in the No.10 jersey will be significant for the hosts, while England back-row star Earl always brings something to the party.

With Sarries winning four of their last five games in all competitions at home, StoneX is a tough ground for visiting teams to win at, and the Chiefs hardly have an away record to write home about.

Exeter have managed just three wins in their last 16 away games in all competitions, and while the Chiefs have certainly shown signs of significant progress this season as they occupy second in the Gallagher Prem standings, a win at Sarries might be a bridge too far for them.

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