Harlequins v Saracens predictions, free rugby betting tip and analysis

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Harlequins v Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 3pm Sunday

Best bet

Saracens -5
2pts 10-11 general

Match preview

Harlequins are the Premiership champions but Saracens are favourites to take their crown this season and they look good bet to leapfrog their London rivals with victory at the Stoop.

Both teams are without key internationals but Sarries have retained more of their strength up front which should allow them to dictate the shape of the game against a Quins side missing fly-half Marcus Smith.

England coach Eddie Jones raised some eyebrows by omitting Mako and Billy Vunipola from his squad for the autumn internationals but Sarries fans will be more than happy to see them run out at the Stoop, while there's plenty more experience in the pack with Vincent Koch, Nick Isiekwe, Tim Swinson and Jackson Wray all starting.

Quins are without Joe Marler and Alex Dombrandt, one of their key ball-carriers, up front while injury to lock Matt Symons means academy player Hugh Tizard steps up.

Fly-half Smith has been at the core of everything Quins have done well this season, and while they have an international-class back-up in Tommy Allan, he has been sidelined through injury.

Saracens are also without fly-half Owen Farrell so Alex Lozowski resumes the role he performed in the first two rounds. Sarries scored just one try in those two matches while they have run in 22 in three games since Farrell returned, but those opening fixtures were tough encounters against Bristol and Leicester, and there should be more space on the pitch today.

Quins still have plenty of cutting edge, but they had to come from behind again to see off Bath at home last week and Saracens aren't the kind of side to allow teams back in.

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