Northampton v Exeter predictions and rugby union tips: Saints have decisive edge

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Northampton Saints v Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher Premiership on Friday.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 7.45pm Friday

Best bets

Northampton to win by one to 12 points
1pt 9-5 BoyleSports

Preview

Exeter have been left short-handed by a combination of international call ups and injuries, leaving them vulnerable for Friday’s clash at Northampton.

The Chiefs were missing their England contingent when they were manhandled by Gloucester last week and the number of international absences has risen since with Scotland duo Jonny Gray and Stuart Hogg among those to depart.

Throw in a few injuries and Exeter face an uphill battle to get back to winning ways after two straight defeats and bookmakers have pushed them out to two-point underdogs for the trip to Franklin’s Gardens following the team announcements.

Northampton haven’t been as severely affected by international call-ups and if anything look stronger from last week’s win over Bristol following the return of full-back Tommy Freeman and wing Courtnall Skosan to the starting line-up.

Skosan and Freeman add to an impressive collection of backs who have helped make Saints the second-highest scoring side in the Premiership, while they have options to bring off the bench, including attack-minded scrum-half Alex Mitchell.

Attack is the best form of defence for Northampton - only Bristol have conceded more points this season - and their defensive deficiencies could allow Exeter to stay in this clash.

Games between these two tend to be tight - both matches last season were decided by 79th-minute penalties and the last five meetings have been decided by no more than three points.

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