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Leicester Tigers will host Saracens in a highly anticipated Christmas Eve rugby clash, counting for Round 11 of the Aviva Premiership.
The Tigers are currently sixth in the Premiership with 6 wins and 4 losses, but they are very alive in the fight for a Top 4 position, which would send them to the playoffs. However, Leicester`s form is not the best. Their last two matches were in the Champions Cup and Leicester got blown out by the Irish outfit of Munster in both of them, losing by 23 points in Ireland and by 9 at home. Prior to that, Leicester lost two in the row in the Aviva Premiership, so the hosts are now riding a 4 match losing streak.
Despite winning the same number of games as Leicester (six), the mighty Saracens are third in the Premiership, as they were able to claim bonus points much more often. The Saracens are in a very similar situation with their opponents, in the sense that they lost five matches in a row in all competitions, and were humbled in the last two weekends in the Champions Cup (losing twice to Clermont in a repeat of last year`s final, although they should have won last week in France).
Bet on Leicester v Saracens and claim your 100% (100 Eur) bonus at Ohmbet now!Team news & lineups:
Leicester will get back Mulipola from injury, which will be important for them. Both teams are mostly healthy and will field their best available lineups here.
Leicester Tigers: 15 Mathew Tait, 14 Adam Thompstone, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Sione Kalamafoni, 7 Mike Williams, 6 Valentino Mapapalangi, 5 Graham Kitchener, 4 Mike Fitzgerald, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Tom Youngs (c), 1 Logovi’i Mulipola
Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Alex Lozowski, 11 Chris Wyles, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Ben Spencer, 8 Jackson Wray, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Nick Isiekwe, 5 George Kruis, 4 Will Skelton, 3 Juan Figallo, 2 Jamie George, 1 Mako Vunipola
This will be a crucial game for both sides, as they have been under performing in the last two months or so. Some of that had to do with losing players in the November International test period, some of that was just poor form. But, all in all, neither team can afford another loss today on Christmas Eve.
It`s safe to say Leicester hasn`t played a good game since November started, and with that kind of form it will be difficult to pose a challenge to Saracens, who remain arguably the best team in Europe.
The visitors haven`t gotten the best results recently either, and their losing streak is even longer, with 5 in a row – but they had a more difficult schedule, their losses were narrow and they really could have won a couple more games – particularly against Exeter (lost by 2) and Harlequins (lost by 1). Last week in France they could have also won, as they played very well and were unlucky to lose by 3 against a strong Clermont side. Saracens scored two tries and Clermont none, but the French side got over the line due to excellent penalty kicking.
I will back Saracens to win this game, as they are the better side, and have played better rugby than Leicester lately – even though none of these two sides are in their best form. I reckon it`s unlikely that Leicester can regain their rhythm against Saracens, who are one of the best teams in world rugby and always make it difficult for opponents to find any momentum.
The Sarries are due a win after some close and maybe unlucky defeats. They know how to respond in must-win games like these, and should be better than Leicester at managing the situation. My tip is Saracens to win, and I wouldn`t be surprised if odds on this bet will drop. I would still take the Sarries at anything above 1.70 – 1.75. Prediction: Leicester Tigers – Saracens 17 – 23.
Pick: Saracens
Odds: 1.91 @ Betfair Sportsbook
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.28
Event date: 24 December
