Saracens vs Leicester Tigers prediction: Returning stars can help Sarries maul the Tigers

Having a talented squad can often be counterproductive in a Rugby World Cup year and both Saracens and Leicester are still waiting to bring some of their big stars back from the global showpiece in France.

However, after each experienced a pair of opening defeats, they both got over the line in round three, with Sarries triumphing 24-3 at Gloucester, while Jamie Shillcock’s cool head saw the Tigers triumph 25-24 at Bath.

These two will again expect to feature at the business end of the season, having met in the Grand Final as recently as 2022.

Sarries responded to regain the Premiership title last term and, after bringing their big guns back earlier than expected, could go big at the StoneX.

Team News

Saracens have recalled a host of their England Rugby World Cup stars, with Owen Farrell returning to lead the side from fly-half.

Jamie George, Maro Itoje, Ben Earl, Billy Vunipola and Elliot Daly also come back into their XV and Theo Dan is on the bench.

The Tigers have decided to be a bit more patient by giving their players who featured for their countries in the latter stages of the global showpiece another weekend off.

Former Australia lock Sam Carter and ex-London Irish number eight Olly Cracknell both come into the side in just two changes to the XV, while Tonga’s Solomone Kata is primed to make his debut off the bench.

Match Odds

Saracens lead the match betting at 1/6, with the tie at 28/1 and Leicester on offer at 5/1 to win in Barnet for the first time in the league since 2017/18.

Sarries were the comprehensive winners last season, triumphing by 33 points and they are 4/6 to win again by over 12 points.

Saracens -14 Handicap 3-Way @ 10/11

Reigning champions Sarries were rampant in last season’s edition of this fixture, running in seven tries on their way to a 51-18 success.

In fact, they have won the last four league meetings on their own patch and after responding to their home defeat to Bath with last Friday’s win at Gloucester, will be aiming to restore some normality at their usual fortress of the StoneX.

Leicester will be hoping for another away win to back up their victory at Bath and have improved with every game in new boss Dan McKellar’s opening months in charge.

That may not be enough in Barnet, though, especially with Sarries’ World Cup stars back and keen to make up for their absence.

A look at the matchday squads suggests the hosts should get the result and with a bit to spare.

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