Saracens vs Harlequins Predictions: Tries to come at Spurs’ Stadium

The sold-out showdown pits two bitter London rivals together – expect plenty of fireworks in this one!

Our Rugby expert Alex Cox is back with his Saracens vs Harlequins predictions.

After a long international break, with the last Premiership game in January, the competition returns with a bang as Saracens take on their London rivals in a Showdown game in front of a sold at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This rivalry has boiled over on many occasion, producing some enthralling contests along the way and I’m sure all 60,000 fans will be hoping to see a classic encounter on Saturday afternoon.

Saracens have not had the best season so far by their own high standards, epitomized by the painful 55-15 loss to Bordeaux in the Champions Cup. However, they still sit in the playoff spots with 6 games left. I’m expecting to see a highly motivated Sarries side looking to accelerate into the final stretch of the season – with Owen Farrell hoping to end his time at the North London club with a Premiership Title before he goes to Paris.

Harlequins currently only sit two points ahead of Saracens in 2^nd place on the table. The Quins will be pleased from their early season form but will know the crucial games lie ahead to book their playoff spot, making this game a crucial contest. With their maestro’s Care and Smith back, I think we’ll see an exuberant Quins performance in this Showcase game.

Team news

Saracens

Plenty of Internationals return for Sarries and it’s a strong side selected. Up front will be Mako Vunipola, Dan and Judge, with MacFarland and ex-Harlequin Tizard in the second-row. The back-row will be Argentinian Gonzalez, Earl and Billy Vunipola. England Captain Jamie George has to settle for spot on the bench to return for his club side.

The half-backs will be South African Van Zyl and skipper Farrell, with Welshman Tompkins and Cinti in the midfield. Lewington and Segun will be on the wings waiting for opportunities and the utility man Daly is at full-back this week.

Harlequins

Harlequins also bring their internationals – 6 of them - straight into the fold. They have also used this season break to get a number of players back to full health, bolstering their squad. Marler, Walker and Collier are in the front-row, with Launchbury and Hammond in behind them. Evans, skipper Lewies and Dombrandt make up the back- row.

The first choice back-line returns, with Care and Smith back together again. The giant frame of Esterhuizen will be in the midfield alongside English prospect Beard. Murley is finally fit again to start on the wing, whilst Italy’s newest recruit Lynagh is on the right wing. Finally, Green will marshal the game from full-back.

Over 51.5 points @ 5/6 

For a showcase encounter at Spurs’ magnificent stadium, this points line is 5 or 6 points too low. The pitch will be immaculate and both sides will look to deploy their running rugby game plan in a bid to move one stop closer to a playoff berth.

Harlequins are capable of scoring from anywhere and Saracens will look to build the score with Farrell’s boot, alongside their other weapon of a strong maul. Expecting an open game with each side contributing to the score line.