In team news ahead of the game, Charlie Hodgson returns to start at fly half with Owen Farrell named at centre for the knockout clash. Will Fraser returns to the starting line-up while Matt Stevens and Carlos Nieto swap places with the England prop starting and Nieto among the replacements.

Chris Wyles moves to the wing with James Short on the bench along with the likes of John Smit, Richard Wigglesworth and Hugh Vyvyan.

Justin Melck has been ruled out after suffering a knee injury in the final minute of the match against Exeter Chiefs last weekend. The flanker underwent surgery on a damaged ACL on Thursday and is set to be ruled out for up to nine months.

“It’s a massive match,” explained Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall. “We’ve had a very good week of preparation but we know it is going to be a very tough game and we will have to be at our best to get the result we want.

“Leicester have a phenomenal semi final record but we have had some excellent performances in recent weeks with wins against London Irish, Newcastle Falcons and Exeter Chiefs so we are really looking forward to the match.”

Saracens line-up vs Leicester Tigers

15 Alex Goode
14 David Strettle
13 Owen Farrell
12 Brad Barritt
11 Chris Wyles
10 Charlie Hodgson
9 Neil de Kock
1 Rhys Gill
2 Schalk Brits
3 Matt Stevens
4 Steve Borthwick ©
5 Mouritz Botha
6 Jackson Wray
7 Will Fraser
8 Ernst Joubert

16 Jamie George
17 John Smit
18 Carlos Nieto
19 Hugh Vyvyan
20 George Kruis
21 Richard Wigglesworth
22 Adam Powell
23 James Short

Tickets only went on sale at full-time in Tigers’ 28-3 victory over Bath on Saturday which guaranteed second place in the Aviva Premiership Rugby table and a home semi-final.

Tigers face defending champions Saracens at Welford Road next Saturday (5.30pm) with a place in the final at stake. The two sides have met in the last two Premiership Finals at Twickenham, recording one win each.

The Tigers ticket office reported roaring trade immediately after Saturday’s game and also throughout Sunday. The office is open again 10am-4pm on Bank Holiday Monday.

Semi-finals are not included in Tigers season tickets but season ticket holders will have their seats/places reserved until 4pm on Monday (May 7). A special discounted price will apply until that time for season ticket holders too.

Tickets are on general sale to all supporters and there is no restriction on numbers you can purchase, subject to availability.

Under-10s season ticket holders must apply for their free ticket, which will only be available if accompanied by an adult season ticket holder and if requested before 4pm on Monday.

Members will be guaranteed a ticket if they would like one but must contact the ticket office by 4pm on Monday to confirm payment.

All other supporters can also buy now. There is no restriction on ticket numbers you can purchase, subject to availability.

Tigers ticket office opening hours:
Bank Holiday Monday: 10.00am-4.00pm
Tuesday: 8.30am-5.00pm
Wednesday: 8.30am-8.00pm
Thursday: 8.30am-5.00pm
Friday: 8.30am-5.00pm
Saturday: from 9.00am

Cal in at Welford Road or phone the Tigers ticket hotline on 0844 856 1880 (option 2).

Or purchase online at www.leicestertigers.com. Season ticket holders need to log-in with the reference number found on season ticket cards and will find their seat/place appear automatically in the shopping basket.

There is no booking fee for any online sales for the semi-final.

The Ulster fly half, who has made 81 appearances scoring 617 points, is currently preparing for the Heineken Cup final where Ulster will take on Leinster at Twickenham on May 19th. Humphreys has played a pivotal role in the province’s Heineken Cup campaign thus far.

Ian has previous experience of playing Premiership Rugby following his spell with Leicester Tigers between 2005 and 2008. He re-joined Ulster from Leicester Tigers in 2008 having previously played for the Irish province at U21 level where he captained the side during the 2002/03 season. He has also represented Ireland at U19, U21 and A level, and captained the Irish side at the Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament in Hong Kong in March 2005. He made his Ireland A debut against England Saxons at Ravenhill in 2007.

London Irish director of rugby, Brian Smith said: “It is fantastic to have Ian on board for the next three seasons. He will bring with him a wealth of experience and leadership qualities. He is a constant threat with ball in hand and has a great ability to create space for his outside backs. He also has a fantastic kicking game. When I was previously at the club we tried to recruit Ian and Tomás O’Leary, now we have a pair of Irish half backs as good as any in Europe.”

Commenting on his decision to join the Exiles Ian said: “I’m very excited to be joining London Irish. They play an attractive style of rugby that I am looking forward to being involved in. My immediate focus however is with Ulster as we prepare for the Heineken Cup final.”

Humphreys scored 72 points in the Heineken Cup last season to help guide Ulster into quarter-finals for the first time in 12 years. He was again influential in this season’s European campaign, scoring all 16 points in the 16-11 home win over French giants Clermont Auvergne.

The 30 year old was among the replacements as Ulster beat Edinburgh in the semi-final last weekend to book a place in their second ever European Cup Final, to be played at Twickenham on 19th May.

Humphreys commented: “Playing for my home Province has been the pinnacle of my career and I have savoured every moment. However, after discussions with Brian Smith I have decided to join London Irish on a long-term deal, and be part of a group that aims to re-establish London Irish as a force in the Premiership, with a strong Irish identity.

“With my family’s future now secure, the next three weeks will be concentrated fully on the Ulster team where we will be doing everything possible to achieve our ambition of winning the Heineken Cup. I would like to thank everyone linked to Ulster Rugby for all the support they have given me over the last four years,” said Ian.

Head Coach Brian McLaughlin thanked Humphreys for his involvement over the past four years:

"Everyone at the club would like to that Ian for the role he has played in helping to turn the fortunes of the club around. He has been an excellent servant since he returned to play in the Province four years ago and his performances have contributed to Ulster enjoying one of the most successful periods in their recent history.

“The squad depth has improved considerably in the time that Ian has been with us and we are fortunate to have a number of contenders for the number 10 shirt. Paddy Jackson is a prodigious talent who has played very well this season, while Stuart Olding and Ruan Pienaar are also options for us.

“I am keen to stress that the job is not yet finished for Ian and he is still very much in contention to play in the Heineken Cup Final in two weeks time. There would be no better way for Ian to finish his Ulster career than with a Heineken Cup winner’s medal," concluded McLaughlin.

More than 400 supporters joined the Tigers coaching staff and players for Tuesday night’s awards dinner in the Premiership Suite in the Caterpillar Stand at Welford Road.

Agulla won the fans’ vote for the Player of the Year and Try of the Season for his dramatic late score against Northampton Saints at Welford Road.

The Argentina international wing, who has scored six tries in 23 appearances this season, said: “I would like to thank the supporters for voting for me. Leicester Tigers is a special club and it is an honour to be named player of the year.”

George Chuter, the Premiership’s record appearance-maker, took home an Omega watch courtesy of sponsors Goldsmiths, after winning the Outstanding Service award.

Chuter said: “This is a great place to be. It is full of history and you can see that every match day at Welford Road.

“The club, the coaches, the set-up and the fans are fantastic and it is all conducive to a really great rugby club. That makes people come here and stay here.”

Back rower Julian Salvi, who has scored five tries in 28 appearances, won the Best Newcomer award and said: “It means everything to be part of this rugby club and to receive the award.

“I am aware of the quality of the Tigers players who have worn the No 7 shirt in the past. It spurs you on and makes you want to strive to be better.”

Steve Mafi won the supporters’ vote for Young Player of the Year. It followed his Players’ Player of the Year award at an awards dinner at Welford Road last week attended by player sponsors and guests, and supported by Aurum Holdings and IWC.

Mafi, who received an IWC Big Pilot watch for being Players’ Player of the Year, said: “It was a surprise to win the two awards. Credit to the players, who have helped me a lot, and credit to (director of rugby) Richard Cockerill and (head coach) Matt O’Connor, who have really helped to strengthen my game.”

George Ford received a Tag Heuer watch after being voted Young Player of the Year by his Tigers team-mates, and said: "I’ve enjoyed this season, the lads have been great. I just want to try to make my way into the Leicester team and I’m doing everything I can to get into a position to do that."

Picture: Leicester Tigers Supporters’ Annual Awards winners Steve Mafi, Horacio Agulla and Julian Salvi

Current Aviva Premiership Rugby leaders Harlequins lead the way in the shortlist with two players, full-back Mike Brown and captain Chris Robshaw, while Saracens, Leicester Tigers, Gloucester Rugby and Exeter Chiefs are also rewarded with players vying for one of rugby’s top honours.

Leicester Tigers’ flanker Julian Salvi is the only non-England qualified player on the list, joined by Saracens’ centre Brad Barritt, Gloucester Rugby prop Nick Wood and Exeter Chiefs’ flanker James Scaysbrook.

The shortlist was compiled by a panel of media professionals – Miles Harrison (Sky Sports), Alastair Eykyn (BBC 5 Live), Mick Cleary (Daily Telegraph), Ian Stafford (Mail on Sunday), Nick Mullins (ESPN), David Rogers (Getty Images), and Alan Pearey (Rugby World). They were joined by Corin Palmer (Premiership Rugby’s Head of Academies and Development) and Paul Morgan (Premiership Rugby’s Communication Director) who chaired the panel.

“The panel has come up with an incredibly impressive shortlist, which reflects the strength of Aviva Premiership Rugby,” said Premiership Rugby Chief Executive Mark McCafferty.

“It’s great to see players who have emerged from our Academies in what is undoubtedly a world-class list of players. It will be a tough job picking the winner as clearly all six would be a worthy Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Season.”

The winner will be announced on Tuesday 8 May at the sold out Aviva Premiership Rugby Awards at The Hilton, Park Lane. The Awards night will be shown on ESPN.

Sam Smith retains his place on the left wing after last weekend’s Man of the Match performance, with Mike Brown and Ugo Monye in the back three. Nick Evans returns at fly half outside Danny Care at scrum half. Jordan Turner Hall and George Lowe continue to partner in the centres.

The starting pack remains unchanged from last week’s victory over London  Wasps. Joe Marler, Rob Buchanan and James Johnston provide the front row.  Olly Kohn and George Robson remain in the second row. Maurie Fa’asavalu continues at blindside alongside captain Chris Robshaw and Nick Easter at number 8.

The replacements see Aston Croall, Mark Lambert, Will Collier covering in the front row. Tomas Vallejos and Tom Guest will looking to impact in the second and back row respectively. Karl Dickson and Rory Clegg cover at half back, while Ross Chisholm covers the remainder of the backline.

Harlequins team to face Leicester Tigers

15. Mike Brown

14. Ugo Monye

13. George Lowe

12. Jordan Turner-Hall

11. Sam Smith

10. Nick Evans

9. Danny Care

1. Joe Marler

2. Rob Buchanan

3. James Johnston

4. Olly Kohn

5. George Robson

6. Maurie Fa’asavalu

7. Chris Robshaw (C)

8. Nick Easter

16. Aston Croall

17. Mark Lambert

18. Will Collier

19. Tomas Vallejos

20. Tom Guest

21. Karl Dickson

22. Rory Clegg

23. Ross Chisholm

The teams occupying first and second place in the Aviva Premiership Rugby table meet at the Twickenham Stoop in the penultimate round of league fixtures.

Skipper Murphy missed Leicester’s bonus-point win at Northampton last weekend but is fit to resume at Quins in the only change to the starting line-up.

Second-rower Graham Kitchener comes in for Craig Newby among the replacements and Scott Hamilton provides cover in the backline.

“We’ve got a tough run-in but we started that with a win in a very difficult game at Northampton last weekend and now we go to Quins before the last round against Bath,” said Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill.

“Harlequins have proved themselves over the course of a long season – they won at Welford Road, they beat Toulouse in Europe and they beat Saracens at Wembley just a few weeks ago, so they are still going well.

“We’ve been playing well too, we’ve got ourselves into a good position now and we are still going hard for a place in the semi-finals.”

Leicester Tigers (v Harlequins, The Twickenham Stoop, Saturday 3.15pm)

15 Geordan Murphy (c)

14 Horacio Agulla

13 Manusamoa Tuilagi

12 Anthony Allen

11 Alesana Tuilagi

10 Toby Flood

9 Ben Youngs

1 Marcos Ayerza

2 George Chuter

3 Dan Cole

4 George Skivington

5 Geoff Parling

6 Tom Croft

7 Julian Salvi

8 Thomas Waldrom

Replacements

16 Tom Youngs

17 Logovi’i Mulipola

18 Martin Castrogiovanni

19 Graham Kitchener

20 Steve Mafi

21 Sam Harrison

22 Billy Twelvetrees

23 Scott Hamilton

The Leicester Tigers forward was voted as March’s star player by a panel made up of rugby media representatives.

Player of the Month Panel Chairman Paul Morgan commented: “Steve has made a huge impact on the Aviva Premiership this season and it was only a matter of time before he was honoured in this way. He’s an all-action, non-stop rugby player who has brought 100 per cent commitment to the Leicester Tigers challenge this season.”

Steve spoke of the pride he felt for being named March’s Player of the Month: “I am very surprised to win it but it feels really good and I am delighted.

“A lot of credit to the boys at Leicester, who are playing well together and working hard for each other.

“Aviva have given me £500 to donate to the charity of my choice – and I have selected the Matt Hampson Foundation.”

Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: “Steve has improved a lot since he first got here. He has a lot of athletic potential. He is learning all the time.

“He has done an outstanding job for us. We hope we can keep him for a long time.”

Louisa Cheetham, Senior Sponsorship Manager at Premiership Rugby’s title sponsors Aviva, added: “Steve is one the Aviva Premiership players who let his rugby do the talking. While many of his team mates were away on England duty during International duty, Steve really took his chance with both hands and is a big factor in Tigers battling it out for the Aviva Premiership title!”

The RFU Disciplinary Panel of His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett (chair), Robert Horner and Peter Budge suspended him from Wednesday, March 28 (the date of Leicester Tigers’ internal suspension) to Wednesday, April 4. He can play again on Thursday, April 5.

Judge Blackett said: “We decided that the offence was at the low end of seriousness, which carries an entry point of three weeks. There were no aggravating features and on the basis of his good record this was reduced by 50 per cent. Taking into account RFU Regulation 19.11.13 there was a compelling mitigating factor in that the player was being held down unlawfully for a substantial period and so we reduced the suspension further to one week. We would like to thank Leicester for their responsible attitude towards this case.”

This is a great show of loyalty for the best-supported rugby club in the country, especially as the current season still has two months to run.

Supporters who bought season tickets by January 1 were able to spread the cost over 12 months with Tigers’ new interest-free direct debit scheme and all prices were held at the 2011/12 rates until March 4.

By Sunday, Tigers had topped the 10,000 sales figure, including 725 supporters who have not previously held season tickets.

Leicester Tigers chairman Peter Tom CBE said: “This figure is an indication of the amazing loyalty and passion for the club from our supporters.

“We appreciate that this has been a challenging season on the field and that these are difficult economic times, but to have 10,000 supporters already committed to next season is a tremendous boost to everyone at the club.

“The players and the management team always appreciate the size and volume of support for the team, which has been built over many, many years.

“Commercially, the club works extremely hard to generate the incomes required to support the playing side in terms of recruitment, training and medical services, as well as continuing to invest in the Academy structure to find the next generations of Leicester Tigers, and the income from season ticket sales is obviously a major part of that.

“We thank all of the supporters who have already booked their places for next season and also hope we can give them something to cheer in the remainder of the current season.”

A Tigers season ticket guarantees entry to all home games in the regular season in the Aviva Premiership and two cup competitions, and this season includes the equivalent of five games free for every supporter compared with matchday prices.

Season tickets for 2012/13, and the direct debit plan to spread the payments, are still available. There are rates for Adults, Over-65s, Young Adults/Full-Time Students, Juniors (under 18) and Families.

Supporters aged under 10 years are able to claim a free Tigers season ticket when accompanied by a full-paying adult