Alex Goode touches down in Saracens' win over Newcastle last time out © Getty Images

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Matches: Gloucester Rugby 17 - 19 Saracens

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: Gloucester Rugby | Saracens

Saracens make the always arduous trip to Kingsholm as they look to keep up the pressure on Harlequins at the top of the Aviva Premiership table.

The reigning champions were stunned by London Wasps at Wembley on the opening day but have responded in fine style, winning five on the bounce to leave themselves second in the standings, just four points adrift of Quins.

Confidence is, therefore, pretty high in the Sarries camp. However, they will be taking nothing for granted against Gloucester, who remain a formidable prospect on home soil having won 21 of their last 22 matches. Indeed, while the Cherry and Whites have yet to pick up a win on the road this season, they have triumphed in all three of their clashes at Kingsholm and were particularly impressive in their recent victories over Bath and London Irish. Saracens have been warned.

Gloucester - Player to Watch: Henry Trinder has gone about his business with aplomb this season and he holds of the challenge of Mike Tindall to keep his place in the side. The young English centre looks set for a bright future so expect him to shine in front of the home crowd.

Gloucester - Team News: Bryan Redpath has made four changes to the side with Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu returning in the centres where he is partnered by Henry Trinder. Charlie Sharples returns on the wing with Nick Wood and Darren Dawidiuk coming in for Dan Murphy and Scott Lawson respectively. England international Mike Tindall comes onto the bench for the Cherry and Whites.

Saracens - Player to Watch: With Richard Wigglesworth sidelined, expect Nigel de Kock to be going all out to prove to the Sarries coaches that they do not need to bring in a short-term replacement. And there is no better atmosphere to thrive in than in front of the Shed at Kingsholm.

Saracens - Team News: Sarries recall the likes of Steve Borthwick, Ernst Joubert, Schalk Brits, David Strettle and Brad Barritt to the starting line-up while in the back-row, Jacques Burger will make his first appearance of the season following World Cup duty for Namibia. On the bench Matt Stevens and Chris Wyles also return after international action in New Zealand. However, the week also saw Richard Wigglesworth ruled out for the rest of the season and Jackson Wray has also been sidelined after injuring his ankle ligaments and will be out for between four and six weeks.

Key Battle: Owen Farrell at outside centre faces a monumental task against the quick-footed Samoan Fuimaono-Sapolu. With Sarries boss Mark McCall opting to shift around his midfield to accommodate Brad Barritt, Charlie Hodgson and Farrell, the young back will face one of his biggest tests to date.

Trivia: The last seven encounters between the two clubs in all competitions have been won by the home team on the day. Saracens have won just once at Kingsholm in 23 previous visits in all competitions: 14-13 in the Premiership on 30 April 2005

Stats: Saracens have the best defence in the league, having conceded just 95 points so far this season

Quote Unquote:

"They've got the best lineout, a strong and efficient scrum and (Schalk) Britz is probably the best player in the Premiership.They've also got the best away record which we're well aware of so it's a real challenge which we've got to be massively up for."
- Bryan Redpath talks up the threat of Saracens

"This is a dynamic club making huge inroads, and one that has been hugely successful over the past two years."
- John Smit pays tribute to his new club side Saracens

Prediction: Something has to give in this match with Saracens immense away from home and Gloucester impressive in front of the Shed. Expect the returning World Cup heroes to pay dividends for the Cherry and Whites as they edge Saracens by a narrow margin.