Saracens v Sale predictions and rugby union tips: Sharks could catch out hosts

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

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 3pm Sunday

Best bets

Sale +7
1pt 10-11 Betfred

Preview

This top of the table clash between Sale and Saracens has lost some of its shine due to a host of international absences and it's Sale Sharks who look better equipped to cope without their England contingent.

Sale started the week as nine-point underdogs for one of their least favourites games of the season - they’ve won one of the previous 24 Premiership clashes at Saracens - but that handicap has since been trimmed by most bookmakers in the wake of the teams being announced.

Maro Itoje, Billy Vunipola, Owen Farrell and the league’s top tryscorer Max Malins are all missing for a Sarries team which made it six wins from six with a last-gasp victory over Exeter last weekend as they consolidated top spot.

Sale are also missing some recognisable faces in Manu Tuilagi, Jonny Hill and Raffi Quirke but director of rugby Alex Sanderson has still been able to name an experienced side captained by Ben Curry.

The second-placed Sharks let their high standards slip as they saw a nine-match winning run ended by Harlequins in the previous round, but a response is expected when they visit the title favourites.

Sale bring the best defensive record in the league to the StoneX Stadium to face a Saracens side which may be disjointed in attack without Farrell calling the shots. With that in mind, the visitors are taken to keep this close.

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