Aviva Premiership: Saracens well equipped to reclaim domestic title

Saracens' squad strength can clinch top spot

Exeter made history last season after winning their first Premiership title. The Chiefs landed the trophy after a dramatic extra time final triumph over Wasps. It completed a remarkable rise by Rob Baxter's side since promotion seven years ago but it is likely to be a tough ask to expect them to retain their title this year. Their odds reflect as much with Exeter only third favourites to finish top of the regular season next May.

Saracens missed out on the title last season but the European champions remain the team to beat domestically. The Men in Black have won the Premiership in two of the last three years and have become the most dominant club in England. Mark McCall has the best squad in the country and Sarries have bolstered their ranks with the arrival of Wales full-back Liam Williams, fresh from an excellent contribution for the British & Irish Lions this summer.

Sarries have finished top of the Premiership in three of the last five seasons and there is every chance of them ending this campaign at the summit. Boosted by the new five-year contract for England fly-half Owen Farrell, Saracens enter this season full of optimism. Their squad depth is superior to the other teams in the competition and over the course of 22 matches it is likely to pay off.

Wasps are second favourites and will be determined to go one step further after their near miss in the final last season. Dai Young's side made big strides during the last campaign and will be dangerous again following the signings of Springbok centre Juan de Jongh and Fiji back Gabiriele Lovobalavu. Kurtley Beale has returned to Australia which is a loss but Wasps still look likely to be involved in the title hunt.

Leicester are interesting contenders with the potential to trouble the leading sides. It has been a turbulent time for the Tigers recently but there were a few signs of recovery under Matt O'Connor during the run-in last season. Leicester almost won at Wasps in the semi-final and the addition of England internationals George Ford and Jonny May offers exciting potential in the backline.

It is difficult to make a convincing case for other clubs mounting a serious title challenge. Northampton have regressed significantly since winning the competition three years ago while Bath started strongly last season but fell away badly in the second half of the campaign. Without Ford, it is hard to see Bath improving significantly and their lack of consistency could prevent them from finishing in the top four.

At the other end of the table, it is likely to be a long season for London Irish following their return to the Premiership. It is always tough for the promoted team such is the step up in quality from the Championship. But London Irish's recent top-flight experience could aid their challenge to avoid relegation. Their nearest rivals will probably be Worcester after the Warriors ended last season second bottom.

Little value in backing favourites for final glory

Saracens are understandably favourites to win the grand final at Twickenham but there does not appear to be much in the way of value in backing them at just 2.12. Winning the knockout competition is as much about peaking at the end of the season so this bet does not appeal as much as backing Sarries to finish top over the whole campaign at a bigger price. Wasps came so close in May and the team are certainly worth consideration but again odds of 3.40 are not quite big enough to offer a tempting alternative to Saracens.

Recommended Bet
Back Saracens to win the regular season @ 17/10 in the Sportsbook