Saracens vs Exeter Chiefs Prediction: Sarries depth to see them through

One of the great recent rivalries of English rugby is renewed on Saturday as Saracens host Exeter at the StoneX Stadium.

Previously meeting in three of the four Premiership Grand Finals played between 2016 and 2019, both are in the play-off mix but will be without their England stars, who have been made unavailable ahead of the Six Nations.

Defeat in this one will leave those not deemed worthy of international duty with two months to stew on their league situation, although the Chiefs could have some compensation, with them set to feature in next month's latter stages of the Premiership Rugby Cup.

With both into the knockout rounds of the Champions Cup, domestic and continental silverware remains very much on the agenda and they will each be targeting a big performance in their final game before the season pauses for the Six Nations.

Match Odds

Saracens are heavy favourites at 3/10 to get the victory, with Exeter 13/5 - while a tie is 20/1.

The oddsmakers' faith in Sarries is reflected in a -9 handicap at EVS, with Exeter the same price to respond at +8. The tie -16, meanwhile, is available at 16/1.

Team News

Saracens will be missing their England contingent, with Jamie George, Theo Dan, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje, Ben Earl and Elliot Daly among those who are unavailable on Saturday.

However, Owen Farrell's decision to take a step away from international rugby means he is available to captain the side and lead a back-line also including Wales' Nick Tompkins.

Exeter have made five changes from last weekend's defeat to Bayonne, with Ethan Roots, Henry Slade and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso away with England. Zak Wibush replaces Slade, while Stu Townsend is in at scrum-half for Tom Cairns.

Hooker Jack Yeandle and tighthead prop Marcus Street come into the front-row, with Lewis Pearson taking Roots' position at blindside flanker.

Handicap -9 - Saracens @ EVS

Saracens have had a tumultuous campaign, which began with a 65-10 walloping in the reverse game at Sandy Park, but last weekend's European win over Lyon was the latest example of Mark McCall's side rising to the occasion when it mattered.

With Farrell's summer exit now all but confirmed by his club, Sarries can focus on on-field matters and, despite their absentees, can still select an incredible team.

Theo McFarland's return in the second row is timely and their back-row of Juan Martin Gonzalez, Andy Christie and Billy Vunipola is magnificent.

Exeter also look strong, with new Wales captain Dafydd Jenkins once again set to skipper them, but last weekend's win over Lyon felt like a catalyst for the reigning Premiership champions and they can improve their hopes of retaining the title with a decent victory on Saturday.