TEAM NEWS | London Irish v Saracens Men (GPR - Rd 13)

Nick Isiekwe says he is full of excitement as he returns to the starting line-up for the first time this season ahead of Friday’s festive fixture at London Irish.

The second-rower, who hasn’t played for Sarries since June will make his highly anticipated return for the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium as the Men in Black go in search of their 10th consecutive Gallagher Premiership victory.

Director of Rugby Mark McCall has made four changes to the starting line-up from the side that beat Lyon last weekend in the Heineken Champions Cup, with three up front and one alteration to the back-line.

Props Mako Vunipola and Marco Riccioni are joined by Tom Woolstencroft in the front-row, Isiekwe will be alongside Hugh Tizard in the second-row, whilst Andy Christie also gets the nod to start in the back-row with Ben Earl and Billy Vunipola.

There is one change to the back-line following Alex Lozowski’s one-week suspension, so Elliot Daly moves in to the midfield on what will be his 50th appearance for the club, and Alex Goode comes in to wear the 15 shirt.

On the bench there could be a Premiership debut for summer signing Eduardo Bello, and there is also a significant injury boost as Duncan Taylor returns to the match day squad for the London derby.

Isiekwe cannot wait to return to action on Friday evening.

"I’m incredibly excited to be back with the boys! I would like to thank everyone that has been involved in this process and kept me strong throughout. I hope to add to this group and keep moving forward with the squad!"

Saracens Men team to play London Irish:

1 Mako Vunipola

2 Tom Woolstencroft

3 Marco Riccioni

4 Nick Isiekwe

5 Hugh Tizard

6 Andy Christie

7 Ben Earl

8 Billy Vunipola

9 Ivan Van Zyl

10 Owen Farrell (c)

11 Sean Maitland

12 Nick Tompkins

13 Elliot Daly

14 Alex Lewington

15 Alex Goode

Replacements:

16 Kapeli Pifeleti

17 Robin Hislop

18 Eduardo Bello

19 Andrew Kitchener

20 Jackson Wray

21 Aled Davies

22 Duncan Taylor

23 Max Malins