Leinster vs Northampton Saints Prediction: Saints set to make life awkward in Dublin

A blockbuster clash takes place at Dublin's iconic Aviva Stadium on Saturday (17:30, live on Premier Sports 1) as four-time European champions Leinster take on the reigning English Premiership titleholders, Northampton Saints.

Read on for my Leinster vs Northampton Saints prediction as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Rugby Union Odds

Leinster losing the last three Champions Cup finals means the pressure is on the province to finally get their fifth title.

They lost last season's final to Toulouse, but only after overcoming Northampton in a nervy semi, conceding the final 14 points to eventually triumph 20-17.

Leinster lost last weekend at Scarlets but are well clear in the URC and could afford to rotate.

Northampton followed last May's defeat in Dublin by going on to win the Premiership but they sit seventh in this season's standings and need three big performances and luck to be on their side if they are to make the top four.

However, they have won their last four in all competitions and, while defence sometimes looks optional, their attacking instincts can help them run Leinster closer than expected.

Team News

After rotating for last week's defeat to Scarlets, Leo Cullen has recalled the big guns, with Caelan Doris captaining Leinster from number eight.

RG Snyman starts alongside Joe McCarthy in the second row, while Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose start in the centres.

That means Jordie Barrett will be required to make an impact from the bench, as will Andrew Porter after Cian Healy was named at loosehead prop.

Northampton have made just one change to the side that beat Bristol 48-31 last Saturday, as tighthead prop Trevor Davison comes into the side after being a late withdrawal against the Bears.

Fraser Dingwall captains the team from outside centre but their usual skipper, George Furbank, is among those absent.

Leinster vs Northampton Saints Odds

Leinster are 1/33 to win on Saturday, with the draw 28/1 and Saints 11/1.

The hosts are 20/21, conceding a 22-point start on the handicap, while a repeat of last season's victory by 1-5 points is 12/1.

Northampton Saints +21 @ 20/21

Leinster's hat-trick of near misses means they almost have to win this season's Champions Cup, but that pressure could breed anxiety.

They are the strongest side in the semi-finals, with Northampton and Bordeaux both having defensive issues and Toulouse still searching for their best approach following Antoine Dupont's knee injury in the Six Nations, which is one of several fitness problems they are dealing with.

The trophy looks to be Leinster's but they will be tested by an exciting Northampton team, who have won their last four games in all competitions, tallying 180 points in the process.

Saturday's match will be played with the intensity of a Test and could provide some clues as to who may start for the British & Irish Lions in Australia this summer.

Will Sam Predergast or Fin Smith go better at fly-half? Can Henry Pollock deliver on the hype against fellow flanker Josh van der Flier?

Leinster look a couple of scores better than Northampton but the way the Saints move the ball can be incredible and gives them a chance to finish within 21 points.

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