Newcastle v Saracens: Teams

Newcastle head coach Alan Tait admits his side will have to deal with "threats all over the field" when they entertain Saracens.

Both sides have had contrasting fortunes in the Premiership this season, with Sarries winning four of their five games and the Falcons registering just the one victory.

And Tait knows his side will have to raise their game if they are to record a second win.

"Everyone is aware of what a top side Saracens are, and we will have to meet that threat head on," said Tait.

"We have had to contend with injuries again in our selection, but it's the same for every side and Saracens come up here without their fly half Derick Hougaard who has been an important figure for them this season before doing his Achilles last weekend.

"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."

Jimmy Gopperth, Micky Young, Tim Swinson and Kieran Brookes return to action for the clash, however England prop Jon Golding is ruled out.

Physical

Despite Newcastle's disappointing start to the season, Saracens chief Brendan Venter is refusing to take anything for granted.

"We're expecting a very tough and physical challenge against Newcastle Falcons on Friday night," said Venter.

"The Falcons have shown this season with a victory over Wasps at Kingston Park that they are a hard working team. It's a match that we are looking forward to and we will have to be at our best to get the result we want."

Kameli Ratuvou will make his 100th appearance for the club after being named in the centres, while Hayden Smith, Neil De Kock, Noah Cato and Kelly Brownall start.

Newcastle: 15 Alex Tait, 14 Luke Fielden, 13 Gcobani Bobo, 12 Luke Eves, 11 Charlie Amesbury, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Micky Young, 8 Ally Hogg, 7 Redford Pennycook, 6 Mark Wilson, 5 Tim Swinson, 4 Glen Townson, 3 Tim Ryan, 2 Rob Vickers (capt), 1 Kieran Brookes.
Replacements: 16 Joe Graham, 17 Darren Fearn, 18 James Hall, 19 Filipo Levi, 20 Brent Wilson, 21 Chris Pilgrim, 22 Andy Henderson, 23 Tom Catterick.

Saracens: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 David Strettle, 13 Kameli Ratuvou, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Noah Cato, 10 Alex Goode, 9 Neil de Kock, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Andy Saull, 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Hayden Smith, 4 Steve Borthwick (capt), 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Deon Carstens.
Replacements: 16 Ethienne Reynecke, 17 Matt Parr, 18 Richard Skuse 19 Hugh Vyvyan, 20 Justin Melck, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Nils Mordt, 23 Michael Tagicakibau.