Northampton vs Saracens Prediction: Motivated Saints could make a statement

Northampton have demonstrated their depth by winning 10 of their last 11 in all competitions and host Saracens on Saturday (15:05 GMT) in their final Pool B match in the Prem Rugby Cup. Sarries picked up bonus points in defeats to Leicester and Harlequins, but have only won three times, meaning they cannot match Saints' five wins, with qualification determined first by points accrued and then by the number of wins.

Northampton sit second behind Leicester, five points better off than Saracens, and having recorded five wins to the visitors' three. It means they are already through to the semi-finals, with the visitors eliminated, and the likely difference in pre-match motivation may shine through on the scoreboard.

Northampton vs Saracens Odds

Northampton are 4/11 to win on Saturday, with a Saracens win at Franklin's Gardens priced at 11/5 and the draw available at 14/1.

Team News

Northampton have made nine changes from the team that beat Newcastle Red Bulls 49-21 last Friday, with Callum Chick restored at number eight from where he will captain the side.

Only 17, Jack Lewis will make his first start at openside flanker, while hooker Robbie Smith is primed for his 50th appearance, having been named among the replacements.

Arguably the most eye-catching selection is George Furbank at full-back. He has been released from the England squad, but a strong showing on Saturday could see him force his way into the Red Rose's starting XV for next week's game in Italy.

Wing Tobias Elliott makes his first Saracens appearance for four months following injury, while hooker Theo Dan is another player relieved of his England duties who will start at Franklin's Gardens.

The experienced Alex Lozowski has been named at fly-half for his first appearance of the season in the role.

Northampton -7.0 @ 10/11

An inability to cover key injuries meant Northampton's Prem title defence in 2024-25 didn't live up to expectations, but the board recruited well in the summer and their efforts are evident in the results.

They went into the Six Nations break sat top of the league table, finished second behind holders Bordeaux in their Champions Cup pool and are already in the semi-finals of this tournament.

Those matches take place next week and Phil Dowson has understandably chosen to rest and rotate, but Furbank's inclusion in the number 15 shirt could be a real fillip.

Also capable of playing at fly-half, there is a feeling that England coach Steve Borthwick has been waiting for him to remain fit for a consistent run of time, and a good performance could see him play into the team for Rome, potentially with Northampton colleague Fin Smith also coming in at number 10.

Sarries had a bye last week, providing a fortnight to reflect on the 31-26 defeat to Leicester, which contributed to their early elimination from this competition.

It is an uncertain time at the club, with Mark McCall departing in the summer and Brendan Venter returning.

The club have also had to publicly deny approaching Ireland head coach Andy Farrell about taking over after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

By contrast, after last season's difficulties, things have settled down at Saints and they are worth getting behind at -7.0 on the three-way handicap.

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