Gloucester v Saracens predictions and rugby union tips: Sarries have the edge

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Gloucester v Saracens in the Premiership on Friday.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 7.45pm Saturday

Best bet

Saracens to win by one to 12 points
1pt 6-4 bet365, Ladbrokes, Coral

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Match preview

Saracens’ last Friday night outing ended in disaster as their perfect start to the season met an abrupt end at London Irish but another slip up isn’t expected when the Premiership leaders travel to Gloucester.

Sarries recovered from that surprise defeat to the Exiles in the manner you’d expect from a team holding a commanding ten-point lead at the summit when thrashing Exeter 35-3 on New Year's Eve.

The Saracens’ pack had things their own way against the Chiefs, while captain Owen Farrell produced a masterful performance in tricky conditions - and he retains the number 10 shirt for what should be a testing game at Kingsholm.

Gloucester are fourth after signing off for 2022 with a last-gasp win over London Irish, but that victory came at a cost with injuries to forwards Santiago Socino and Alex Craig adding to a lengthy list of absentees which has left the Cherry & Whites short in a number of positions.

In contrast, Saracens are spoilt for choice with Ben Earl, a contender for the Premiership’s player of the season, among four players recalled, and Sarries were quickly pushed out from four to six-point favourites after the teams were announced.

Gloucester’s issues may come when the teams turn to the bench but director of rugby George Skivington can at least name a strong starting 15 featuring in-form duo Santiago Carreras and Ruan Ackermann, making another blowout win for Saracens unlikely.

Winning at Kingsholm is rarely easy - Gloucester’s last four home league defeats have been by six points or fewer - but Saracens should eventually pull clear to extend their lead at the top of the table.

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