Northampton v Leicester predictions and rugby union tips: Tigers come out on top

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Northampton v Leicester in the Premiership on Saturday.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 3pm Saturday

Best bet

Leicester -1
2pts Evs bet365

Match preview

Leicester beat their East Midlands rivals Northampton three times last season including a 27-14 success in the playoff semi-finals, and the Tigers look in good shape to keep up that winning run.

Both sides lost their opening matches narrowly before claiming a bonus-point win at home in round two.

The fixture that most caught the eye was the Tigers’ opening-round defeat at Exeter, where Leicester fought back from 17-6 down to lead 20-17 with the clock in the red.

The physicality of both teams was huge in that clash while in round two the Tigers showed their more expansive side as Nemani Nadolo bagged a brace in a five-try salvo.

Fijian Nadolo, who leaves for Super Rugby midway through the season, is again in the back three along with Harry Potter and the returning Freddie Steward.

With Freddie Burns also back at fly-half after missing out last week, the Tigers have a strong blend of forward power and pace out wide to trouble their hosts.

Northampton welcome back internationals Lewis Ludlam, Courtney Lawes, Dan Biggar and Tommy Freeman to their line-up but they may take time to get up to speed.

Not got a bet365 account? Bet £10 & get £50 in free bets

Open account offer. Minimum deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as bet credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Minimum odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude bet credits stake. Time limits/T&Cs apply. 18+ begambleaware.org

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Sign up to emails from Racing Post Sport and get all the latest news and tips

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport