Saracens take on Northampton Saints looking to again book their place in the Gallagher Premiership final.
Beaten by Leicester in the Twickenham showpiece last year, Mark McCall’s men led the way to top the regular season table and set up a home semi-final.
Having been able to rest much of their first-choice side over the last few weeks, the hosts start as big favourites as they seek a sixth Premiership title.
But a dangerous Northampton side arrive with perhaps the league’s best attack and will fancy their chances of causing Saracens problems.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Saracens vs Northampton?
Saracens vs Northampton is due to kick off at 3.30pm BST on Saturday 13 May at the StoneX Stadium in north London.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to watch the match live on BT Sport 2, with coverage on the channel from 3pm BST. Subscribers can stream the action via the BT Sport app or online player.
Team news
After giving much of his squad a weekend off as Saracens were beaten by Bath in their final regular season fixture, Mark McCall brings back the big guns, with Owen Farrell leading a strong home side. Number eight Jackson Wray, one of Saracens’ great servants, plays for the final time at the StoneX, while Maro Itoje makes his 100th Premiership appearance in the second row. Having made his return from injury last week, Elliot Daly drops out of the starting fifteen to offer options from the bench.
Courtney Lawes surpasses Stephen Myler as he makes a record 165th start for Northampton in this competition, but the Saints pack is weakened by the absence of Sam Matavesi – the hooker is playing for the Navy against the Army at Twickenham. Robbie Smith is fit enough to provide hooking cover on the bench as one of six forwards as Phil Dowson braces for Saracens’ physical challenge.
Line-ups
Saracens XV: Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Marco Riccioni; Maro Itoje, Hugh Tizard; Nick Isiekwe, Ben Earl, Jackson Wray; Ivan van Zyl, Owen Farrell (capt.); Sean Maitland, Nick Tompkins, Alex Lozowski, Max Malins; Alex Goode.
Replacements: Theo Dan, Eroni Mawi, Christian Judge, Callum Hunter-Hill, Toby Knight; Ruben de Haas, Duncan Taylor, Elliot Daly.
Northampton Saints XV: Alex Waller, Tom Cruse, Trevor Davison; David Ribbans, Alex Moon; Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam (capt.), Juarno Augustus; Alex Mitchell, Fin Smith; Tommy Freeman, Rory Hutchinson, Fraser Dingwall, James Ramm; George Furbank.
Replacements: Robbie Smith, Ethan Waller, Paul Hill, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Scott-Young, Sam Graham; Tom James, Tom Collins.
Odds
Saracens win 1/4
Northampton win 7/2
Prediction
Northampton could give Saracens an early fright, but the hosts should have enough to progress to another Premiership final. Saracens 35-22 Northampton
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