Exeter Chiefs vs Northampton Saints Premiership rugby union predictions, betting tips and odds: Chiefs can edge victory

Where to watch 

Exeter Chiefs vs Northampton Saints
TNT Sports 1, 3pm Sunday

Best bet

Exeter to win by one to 12 points
2pts 15-8 bet365

W Rigg to score a try
1pt 7-5 bet365

Predictions

Exeter and Northampton have both been crowned Premiership champions in the last five years but both look set to miss out on the playoffs this season.

However, while the Chiefs will be treading water for their final three games, over in Northampton all eyes will be on the European Champions Cup final in two weeks after last weekend's sensational semi-final victory over Leinster.

Not surprisingly, Saints head coach Phil Dowson is resting his frontline players who triumphed in Dublin, making 14 changes to his starting line-up while two players - winger Toby Cousins and flanker Fyn Brown - make their Premiership debuts, with another four set to do the same from the bench.

England fly-half Fin Smith is among those rested and with injuries to back-up fly-halves, scrum-half Tom James starts in the number ten shirt, as he did against Sale in March.

Exeter coach Rob Baxter also gives a debut to winger Nick Lilley but has emphasised that he is not looking to make big changes in playing style for the rest of the season, so we can expect another physical showing from the home side.

The Chiefs have won only three games all season but those victories have come in their last four home games while their most recent outing at Sandy Park ended in a two-point defeat to runaway leaders Bath.

All three of Exeter's wins have come by a single-figure margin and even a much-changed Northampton side will pose an attacking threat, so a home win by one to 12 points looks the best bet.

In addition Exeter's Will Rigg is worth backing to continue his fine scoring run. "Will Rigg's on fire" ought to be the chant around Sandy Park as the centre has crossed in four of his last five appearances, missing out only in a six-minute substitute role against Bath. He starts in the number 12 shirt today in what could be an open, entertaining game.

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