Saracens vs Gloucester Prediction: Gloucester youngsters could face Sarries’ wrath

Saracens have had a fortnight off since their bruising Champions Cup defeat in Bordeaux and Gloucester could be in the firing line on Saturday afternoon (KO, 15:00) as a result. Fresh from losing 41-30 at Northampton, Mark McCall's side were thumped 45-12 in France in what felt like an era-ending defeat. 

However, they are able to recall captain Owen Farrell following injury, while Gloucester's progression to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup has tempted George Skivington to give some of his big boys the afternoon off. Read on for my Saracens vs Gloucester prediction, with all the latest team news and match odds included below for this Premiership Rugby clash.

The Cherry and Whites have a fresh-faced look but their youngsters may not be cowed by the prospect of playing at the StoneX after winning at the ground on their way to lifting the Premiership Rugby Cup.

Sarries got revenge by winning the reverse Premiership match 24-3 and, with a successful defence of their league title now their sole prospect of silverware, could be ready to lay down a marker with only four rounds to go.

Team News

Farrell's return is a big boost for Saracens after he missed the defeat in Bordeaux with a hamstring injury.

His inclusion means Alex Goode drops back into the 15 shirt and is joined in the back three by the recalled duo of Tom Parton and Rotimi Segun.

Up front, Theo Dan, Marco Riccioni, Juan Martin Gonzalez and Willis come into the pack.

Gloucester boss Skivington has publicly discussed the importance of keeping his squad fresh as they chase European success and he has made several changes from the win over Ospreys.

Mayco Vivas, Santo Socino, Fraser Balmain, Arthur Clarke, Albert Tuisue and Jack Clement start in the pack, while Caolan Englefield, Charlie Atkinson, Louis Hillman-Cooper, Josh Hathaway and George Barton get the nod behind the scrum.

Match Odds

Saracens are an almost unbackable 1/100 favourites to win Saturday's match, with Gloucester's youngsters 14/1 to get a victory and only the second-ever draw between the pair 28/1.

Tom Willis scored two tries in the reverse match, so therefore might be worth looking at in the try scorer markets.

Saracens -26 handicap @ 11/10

For all the optimism around Gloucester following their domestic cup success and home European semi-final against Benetton on May 4, the reality is that they have picked a young side who could be taught a lesson or two.

Sarries were schooled in Bordeaux and have been written off by many in the last fortnight, ensuring McCall and Farrell's team talk is almost written for them.

With 12 points separating the top eight in the Premiership, and Gloucester ninth and with little to play for in the league, the hosts could go big.

The three-way handicap is set at -24 and available at 20/21 but it is worth pushing towards the right side of Evens and Sarries -26 is 11/10.

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