Harlequins vs Saracens Prediction: Visitors can go four from four

Saracens were tipped for a possible season of struggle after their summer overhaul but have won their first three games and can extend that run with a victory at local rivals Harlequins on Sunday. 

Losing Owen Farrell and the Vunipola brothers, among others, could have proved disastrous. However, coach Mark McCall has mentioned a fresher atmosphere around the club, while Farrell's replacement, Fergus Burke, has shone in the number 10 jersey. Opponents Quins have lost two of their three matches and could struggle to end their Sarries hoodoo, which has seen them lose the last eight meetings. 

Rugby Union Odds

Team News 

Harlequins make three changes from last Friday's 33-29 defeat at Northampton. Dino Lamb starts at blindside flanker while wing Caden Murley returns and Leigh Halfpenny takes over at full-back. 

Halfpenny's selection allows Marcus Smith to revert to fly-half, with Jarrod Evans dropping to the bench. 

For Saracens, Juan Martin Gonzalez makes his first start of the season in the back-row and is part of a pack also featuring Maro Itoje, who returns to captain the team. 

Flanker Andy Onyeama-Christie replaces Tom Willis, with Ben Earl moving to number eight and the only alteration behind the scrum sees Alex Goode start at full-back.  

Elliot Daly will switch to the left wing, with in-form Tobias Elliott completing the back three. 

Harlequins vs Saracens Odds 

Sarries head to the Twickenham Stoop as the 2/5 favourites, with the tie 22/1 and Quins 2/1 to end their eight-game losing run against Sunday's opponents. 

The three-way handicap is set at -6, with Sarries 10/11 giving away that deficit. 

Saracens -7 @ 1/1

After defeat to eventual champions Northampton in last season's play-offs brought about the end of the Farrell-led era, Saracens could have been forgiven for taking time to settle into the 2024-25 season. 

Reality has proven anything but, with an opening 35-26 win at Gloucester followed by home victories over Sale (45-26) and Exeter (29-14). 

A trip to the Twickenham Stoop could prove awkward but history is on their side and they are aiming for their ninth straight win against their London rivals. 

Harlequins have talent and won their only home game against Newcastle 28-14. They will have also taken heart from their away defeats at Sale (12-11) and Northampton (33-29). 

Still, those reverses are reminiscent of several of the close defeats they suffered last season and neither the Sharks nor Saints have truly clicked this term, whereas Sarries seem to be playing with fresh confidence. 

McCall's side always look to have an edge on Quins and, with Itoje inspiring the pack and Burke pulling the strings, can claim a fourth win of the season with a bit to spare.