Saracens v Glasgow

(Allianz Park) - April 2

Form in Europe this season: Saracens couldn’t quite repeat their 100 per cent record in qualifying of last year but came close, their only blip being a 22-22 draw against an adventurous Scarlets side at Parc Strade. The pool predictably turned, however, on the two matches between Saracens and Toulon. Sarries 31-23 win at Stade Felix Mayol was one of the best in the club’s history but the return game was a tense old affair with Saracens scraping home 10-3 after struggling earlier in the game.

Glasgow’s startling campaign has been built on their exciting attacking approach which yielded home and away victories over both Leicester Tigers and Racing 92. The Warriors 43-0 win at Welford Road, including six tries, was one of the most staggering road wins in European Cup history while they also played superbly to defeat Racing 23-14 at Stade Yves du Manoir. Glasgow do have off-days, though. They got blown away at Munster and also narrowly lost the return game at Scotstoun.

European pedigree: Recent. Saracens are long time European participants but, apart from a semi-final appearance in 2008, have only really got involved at the business end in recent seasons winning last year and losing to Toulon in the final in 2014. This is Glasgow’s first appearance in the quarter-finals although there was a QF play-off in 1998 when they famously lost 90-19 at Leicester.

Head to Head in Europe: Saracens lead 2-0.

Home advantage? Ordinarily Saracens’ artificial pitch is a considerable advantage, many teams really dislike playing on it, but Glasgow have switched to their own G4 playing surface at Scotstoun and that has played a big part in their success in recent years.

Key players: The usual suspects. Owen Farrell, Billy, far left, and Mako Vunipola plus Maro Itoje will be huge for Sarries while Stuart Hogg, near left, Finn Russell and Jonny Gray always feature prominently for Glasgow.

Prediction: The Saracens wolf pack will just about keep Glasgow under control. Sarries by seven.