Max Malins and Joel Kpoku are set to make their first European starts while Owen Farrell returns to captain Saracens as they look to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.

Sarries currently have six points from their first three matches in defence of their Heineken Champions Cup title, and will likely need to win out to make it to the last eight.

That challenge begins at home to Munster on Saturday, with the Irish side having edged home 10-3 at Thomond Park a week ago.

Saracens were missing a number of key players in that game, with Farrell among those returning as Mark McCall makes 12 changes in all. Farrell will start at fly-half and captain the side, while Mako and Billy Vunipola, Jamie George and George Kruis all return to bolster the pack.

As well as Farrell, Elliot Daly is also included on the wing, with Malins starting at full-back after his return from injury.

Kpoku, who has impressed for England Under-20s in recent seasons, gets the nod alongside Kruis, with Maro Itoje not featuring after starting last time out.

A win over Munster would put Saracens right back in contention for the last eight, with a home game against pool leaders Racing 92 still to come.

Munster, meanwhile, have made just one change to their team as John Ryan comes in for his 150th appearance.

And director of rugby Johann van Graan admits it will be a huge ask to get the better of Saracens, who have won three of their last four European titles.

“It’s a massive challenge ahead,” said Van Graan. “We are playing against the very best team in Europe currently. They’ve got so much quality within their squad and what they do.”