Hastings one of four changes to starting lineup for Saracens tie

The Warriors go into the game knowing they can leapfrog the reigning English Champions at the top of Pool 3 with a five-point victory despite having lost the reverse fixture 3-13 in October.

Hastings is the only change to the back-line that started Sunday’s 33-24 victory over Cardiff Blues at Scotstoun.

Siua Halanukonuka starts in the front-row with Oli Kebble and Grant Stewart, both having scored tries at Scotstoun on Sunday with the hooker also named Heineken Man of the Match.

Tim Swinson is brought into the second-row with Rob Harley switching to the blind-side flank. Chris Fusaro starts at 7, as captain Ryan Wilson moves to the back of the scrum.

On the bench Adam Ashe, Matt Smith, Huw Jones and Niko Matawalu are new inclusions in the matchday 23.

Meanwhile, co-captain Callum Gibbins has successfully undergone ankle surgery on an injury sustained in last weekend’s victory over Cardiff Blues and faces a minimum recovery period of eight weeks.

Matt Fagerson’s shoulder injury sustained in the same game requires further assessment, however early signs suggest the back-rower faces an extended lay-off. More precise return to play timings for the 20-year-old will be provided in due course.

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Dave Rennie said: “We’re going to London with the mentality that we want to top the group and earn ourselves a home quarter-final.

“What we know is we’re going to have to take our chances. Saracens are a strong defensive side, so our conversion rate is going to have to be better than it has been in recent weeks to get the victory.

“The opportunity to play knock-out footy is in our own hands and that excites us. We’ve prepared well and have a side on the park that knows they can win on the road.”

Glasgow Warriors team to play Saracens in the Heineken Champions Cup, Allianz Stadium, Saturday 18 January, kick-off 1pm – live on BT Sport. You can follow the game on Twitter @GlasgowWarriors. Glasgow Warriors appearances in brackets:

1. Oli Kebble (24)
2. Grant Stewart (16)
3. Siua Halanukonuka (23)
4. Tim Swinson (120)
5. Jonny Gray (97)
6. Rob Harley (200)
7. Chris Fusaro (157)
8. Ryan Wilson (C) (150)

9. Ali Price (69)
10. Adam Hastings (23)
11. DTH van der Merwe (112)
12. Sam Johnson (45)
13. Nick Grigg (53)
14. Tommy Seymour (126)
15. Stuart Hogg (114)

Replacements

16. Kevin Bryce (20)
17. Alex Allan (84)
18. D’Arcy Rae (56)
19. Adam Ashe (64)
20. Matt Smith (23)
21. George Horne (34)
22. Huw Jones (16)
23. Niko Matawalu (106)

Players unavailable: Fraser Brown (knee), Matt Fagerson (shoulder), Zander Fagerson (ankle), Bruce Flockhart (ankle), Callum Gibbins (ankle/knee), Pete Horne (knee) and George Turner (ankle).