Alex Goode is back at fly-half this weekend © PA Photos

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Matches: Newcastle Falcons 13 - 15 Saracens

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: England | Newcastle Falcons | Saracens

After two humbling European defeats, Saracens are back on the Aviva Premiership beat as they travel to Kingston Park to face Newcastle on Friday night.

Clermont Auvergne and Leinster knocked the wind out of Sarries during the Heineken Cup break and while their date with the Falcons represents a stern test of their desire, Brendan Venter will hope that his side's quality shines through.

The former Springbok threatened a change in style last weekend after again finding fault with a referee, but we shouldn't expect to see too much of that on Friday. Sarries' pack is a bruising one and they should be able to lay the platform for a sparky backs division to do their stuff.

Newcastle - Player to Watch: Jimmy Gopperth returns to the starting line-up after two weeks out with an injury and will again spearhead their challenge. His goal-kicking has been their major weapon in recent seasons but he will also need to find a spark for his backline.

Newcastle - Team News: Micky Young returns alongside Gopperth at halfback while Tim Swinson slots into the second-row. Loose-head Jon Golding misses the game with an Achilles problem, handing a start to Kieran Brookes.

Saracens - Player to Watch: Following Derick Hougaard's serious Achilles injury last weekend, Alex Goode returns to the No.10 jersey. He endured a difficult start to the season at first-receiver and will want to make a mark this week as rumours about Gavin Henson do the rounds.

Saracens - Team News: Hayden Smith, Neil De Kock and Noah Cato all return to the starting line-up. In the back-row, Kelly Brown, Andy Saull and Ernst Joubert pack down with the excellent Jacques Burger rested on this occasion.

Key Battle: Saracens look to have the wood over a depleted Newcastle pack and it will be vital for Goode to steer his side in the right direction. A conservative game-plan could prove costly with Gopperth boasting not only greater experience but also a better understanding of the challenges posed by Kingston Park on a Friday night in October.

Trivia: Newcastle have won only once since April - beating Wasps earlier this season.

Stats: Saracens have won four of their last five meetings with Newcastle and are unbeaten in their last five Premiership away games - when played at their hosts' regular venues.

Quote Unquote: "They have threats all over the field, they keep possession well and suck the energy out of defences so we have to be absolute on the button in terms of our discipline and concentration." - Newcastle boss Alan Tait

"We're expecting a very tough and physical challenge against Newcastle. The Falcons have shown this season with a victory over Wasps at Kingston Park that they are a hard working team." - Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter

Fantasy: The Falcons have not been all that effective in defence so far this season - it could be time for David Strettle and Noah Cato to get the nod in your ESPN Premiership Rugby Fantasy Game side.

Prediction: Newcastle is a tough place to go but as London Irish showed with a thumping victory at Kingston Park a couple of weeks ago - there are plenty of holes in the Falcons' armoury. Sarries at a canter.