Northampton Saints vs Saracens Prediction: Sarries can take advantage against distracted Saints

Saracens are on the fringes of the Premiership play-offs and might be travelling to Northampton at the perfect time when they meet on Saturday (15:05, TNT Sports 1). The Saints may be English champions but after shocking Leinster in their Champions Cup semi-final, they made 14 changes for last weekend's 42-14 loss at Exeter to end their hopes of retaining the title. 

Northampton have a European final date with Bordeaux in Cardiff next Saturday, so despite naming a strong side, some players might be in damage limitation mode for their final home game of the season at Franklin's Gardens. Sarries romped past Newcastle Falcons 75-28 last Saturday and, after a topsy-turvy campaign, could be coming good at the right time. 

Team News

After rotating heavily at Exeter, Northampton have made 13 changes for Saturday's match, with only second row Tom Lockett and wing Tom Litchfield retained. 

The club's four British & Irish Lions selectees come into the team, with wing Tommy Freeman outside half-backs Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith, while Henry Pollock packs down at number eight. 

Saracens have made three changes to their starting XV from the win over Newcastle, all of them among the forwards. Hooker Jamie George and tighthead prop Marco Riccioni come into the front row.  

Meanwhile, Tom Willis starts at number eight, meaning Ben Earl moves to openside flanker and Juan Martin Gonzalez swaps his seven shirt for the number six. 

Northampton Saints vs Saracens Odds

Northampton are 11/10 to head into their Champions Cup final after a win, with Saracens 8/11 for victory and the tie 25/1. 

The traders clearly see these two as tough to split with just a two-point handicap offered in the 3-way, and Saints +2 can be backed at 10/11. 

Saracens -5 @ 6/5

Saracens have had a transitional season after Owen Farrell and others departed last summer, but they look to have measured their efforts effectively and were brilliant against the Falcons. 

The fixture list also looks to be working for them, with Northampton having half an eye on their date with Bordeaux in Cardiff.  

Meanwhile, Sarries final game of the Premiership season sees them host Bath, who are also in action next weekend in the Challenge Cup, so they might be celebrating but are also likely to rest players with them guaranteed a home semi-final in the play-offs. 

While Bath are clear at the top and Leicester in second, starting the round four points clear of third-placed Bristol, the five teams below them can all make the top four. However, a win for Saracens could be vital, especially with Sale hosting the Bears on Friday night. 

Whoever plays, Mark McCall's men tend to find their best form in the spring and will be looking to kick on from their massive win over Newcastle. 

With new British & Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje leading the way, Sarries can see off a potentially distracted Saints side who are clearly prioritising next Saturday's trip to the Principality Stadium.

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