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Anglo-Welsh Cup preview: Saracens v Tigers

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Leicester Tigers head to Saracens on Sunday with a semi-final place in the Anglo-Welsh Cup already secured but with a home tie in the last four at stake.

A win for Tigers, who have won seven successive games in the tournament stretching back to the 2014/15 season, would guarantee a home semi-final on the weekend of March 11/12, while Sarries would book their own home semi-final if they take the points on Sunday.
 
Tigers have already beaten Bath away, and Newport Gwent Dragons and Northampton Saints at home in the competition. Sarries have recorded wins over Newcastle Falcons and the Scarlets following a first-round defeat at Gloucester.
 
Saracens have history on their side as Tigers have never won on five previous visits to Allianz Park, while the only previous meeting between the sides in Anglo-Welsh rugby was at Bedford’s Goldington Road in November 2012 when Saracens won 38-21.
 
Both clubs blend a mix of youth and experience in their squads for the weekend, with Tigers giving a start to Charlie Thacker and Oli Bryant in midfield, while Michele Rizzo and Pat Cilliers join forces as international props. New signing Maxime Mermoz is included among the replacements. Saracens include back back-rower Will Fraser, while former Tigers academy forward Brian Tuilagi is named at lock.
 
Tigers forwards coach Richard Blaze said: “It was obviossly good to get the win last Saturday after some tough results in recent weeks. We’ve got a similar squad this weekend and Saracens is a tough place to go. We have the utmost respect for them, they’re not double champions for no reason. Any Saracens team will have good workrate and physicality, and for us it is just a chance to go there and have a good crack at them.”
 
Referee for Sunday is Greg Macdonald.
 
Tigers will be in the club’s alternate kit at Allianz Park.
 
Kick-off at Allianz Park is at 4pm on Sunday. Tickets are still available from the host club.
 
Sunday’s game will be shown live on BT Sport 1/BT Sport 4K, with coverage starting at 3.45pm. Or keep in touch via the Tigers club website and social media.
 
Tigers return to home turf next Saturday for the Aviva Premiership fixture against Gloucester Rugby. This is a 3pm kick-off  and tickets are available now. Book in person at the ticket office, phone 0116 319 8888 (open 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday) or click here to book online. Welford Road will also host live coverage of England’s Six Nations fixture against Wales at 4.50pm.