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Exeter vs Saracens, Premiership Final 2018: What time is it, what TV channel is it on and what is our prediction?

Rob Baxter (left) and Mark McCall (right) will lead their teams into battle - Getty Images Europe
Rob Baxter (left) and Mark McCall (right) will lead their teams into battle - Getty Images Europe

This year's Aviva Premiership Final is a repeat of the 2016 final, which Saracens won 28-20, while Exeter return to defend a title they clinched following an extra-time triumph against Wasps last season.

A Chiefs victory would see them become only the fourth club after Sarries, Leicester and Wasps to successfully defend Premiership silverware since the competition began 20 years ago.

The form guide has so far held, with this season's top two clubs after the regular 22-game Premiership campaign now going head to head. 

The Chiefs remain unbeaten in all competitions since mid-February, setting up a heavyweight showdown against a Saracens side through to a fourth Premiership final in the past five seasons.

This should be an epic clash...

When is it?

It's today, so Saturday - May 26, 2018.

What time is kick-off?

3pm BST.

What TV channel is it on?

BT Sport 1 from 2pm.

What is the team news?

Exeter

Exeter boss Rob Baxter has named an unchanged team following last weekend's emphatic semi-final victory over Newcastle.

That means a start for 21-year-old fly-half Joe Simmonds - younger brother of Exeter and England back-row forward Sam - with last season's Chiefs match-winner Gareth Steenson on bench duty.

There are four starting XV survivors, meanwhile, from last season's final in Armand, hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, plus wings Jack Nowell and Olly Woodburn.

Saracens

Billy Vunipola is expected to start at Twickenham as Saracens continue to monitor his tight hamstring.

The England No 8 lasted only the first half of the semi-final victory over Wasps in his latest comeback from injury but director of rugby Mark McCall insists he should be given the all-clear.

Wales full-back Liam Williams could return from the shoulder issue sustained against Gloucester on May 5 but his outlook to make the showpiece against the Premiership champions is less positive.

Vunipola's fitness has repercussions for England as the powerful back row has been named in Eddie Jones' squad bound for South Africa next month.

The 25 year-old returned from a fractured arm against London Irish earlier this month only to be struck by the hamstring complaint that has limited his game time ahead of the three-Test series against the Springboks.

What are they saying?

Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter:

"Personally, I think an Exeter versus Saracens final is a very good final. It probably drives the merits of finishing first and second in the league - the two home semi-finalists in the final.

"For a lot of reasons, it could make a really good final. I wouldn't say we go there expecting to win. We go there with an expectation of we know we can play well there.

"Two years ago, we lost by eight points after not starting well, and last year we came up with a win with an improved performance. I would like to think what we are aiming for is an improved performance on last year.

"For me, we have got to go there with an expectation that we will play better than in the last two finals, because that is what you should do as a team."

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall:

"This is our fourth final in four years - to be in seven finals out of a possible 10 is a great achievement,.

"There are quality clubs that exist in Europe and in the Premiership and so that's something we should be proud of.

"We want to be consistent as a club and so the fact that we have made seven finals out of 10 demonstrates that."

What did the Premiership table look like?

How did Exeter and Saracens get to the final?

Exeter brushed aside play-off debutants Newcastle 36-5 at Sandy Park, with fly-half Joe Simmonds kicking 19 points and Nic White, Olly Woodburn and Don Armand scoring tries.

Owen Farrell's flawless goalkicking helped Saracens overwhelm Wasps 57-33 at Allianz Park. With the try count 6-5 in Saracens' favour, it was Farrell's unblemished 27-point haul that really made the difference.

What are the odds?

  • Exeter Chiefs to win 6/5

  • Draw 19/1

  • Saracens to win 8/11

What is our prediction?

The bookies have Saracens as marginal favourites but Exeter finished top of the Premiership table, Saracens second. The Chiefs also beat Saracens home and away in the regular season - 20-18 at Allianz Park in November and 24-12 at Sandy Park in March. Predicted score: Exeter 24 Saracens 22.