Exeter Chiefs v Saracens, Aviva Premiership, October 1
Sarries face tricky trip to Sandy Park
ESPNscrum Staff
September 29, 2011
Exeter's Ben White is halted in the tackle, Exeter Chiefs v Wasps, Aviva Premiership, Sandy Park, Exeter, England, September 25, 2011
Exeter's Ben White is halted in the tackle during last weekend's win over Wasps © Getty Images
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Exeter Chiefs will be targeting another major scalp when they host reigning Aviva Premiership champions Saracens at Sandy Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Chiefs can no longer be considered a surprise package or an unknown quantity after making an incredibly impressive debut in the top flight last term, eventually finishing eighth, a staggering 20 points above the drop zone. However, the victories just keep coming and they currently sit third in the table after winning three of their opening four games, the most notable of which was their historic victory over Leicester at Welford on the opening day.

So, having already seen off last season's runners-up, the challenge now for the Chiefs is to topple the champions. However, it would appear that this might not be a good time to be running into Sarries, who racked up their third win on the bounce by humiliating the Tigers 50-25 in their own backyard last weekend.

Exeter Chiefs - Player to Watch: In Peter Short's absence Aly Muldowney steps up to make his first Premiership start and the pressure will be on the former Glasgow lock and he'll need to make an immediate impact against Saracens' formidable pack.

Exeter Chiefs - Team News: A broken leg to summer signing Short means that fellow newcomer Muldowney steps in. However Nic Sestaret is fit to start on the right wing after coming off injured against Wasps. In the only other change to the team John Andress comes in on the bench with Chris Budgen on duty with the army.

Saracens - Player to Watch: Inspirational hooker Schalk Brits returns to the Sarries starting line-up after missing their win over Leicester Tigers. He will add his unique attributes to a Sarries side hitting form.

Saracens - Team News: Brits is back while James Short also returns to the starting XV on the wing with Joe Maddock and Jamie George dropping down to the bench.

Key Battle: Exeter centre Sireli Naqelevuki has stomped over most Premiership midfields and young Owen Farrell, who has started the last few games at centre, will be hoping for plenty of help from his abrasive patner Brad Barritt in midfield.

Trivia: Exeter and Sarries have conceded the exact same amount of points so far this season - 77

Stats: Saracens' Hugh Vyvyan has made a record 239 appearances in the Premiership

Quote Unquote:

"At the moment we feel we are in a great situation where potentially some good points will keep us towards the top end of the table, rather than scrapping it out at the bottom. We have to relish that and take it as a massive positive, which can energise and enthuse us"
- Rob Baxter holds no fear of the dizzying hieghts of the Premiership table

Prediction: Saracens to escape Sandy Park with a massive scalp following a fierce match and a narrow victory

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