After kicking off their European Rugby Champions Cup campaign with a nail-biting 27-26 loss to Munster in October, Saturday's 19-15 reversal against Saracens was agonising for Sale Sharks and their supporters.

With three of last year's four European Cup semi-finalists in their pool, the Sharks knew the task they faced was difficult, but to run two of the group heavy weights to the last play in each game shows how far Sale Sharks have come.

Andrei Ostrikov, who scored a try in vain at the AJ Bell Stadium last weekend, is hoping to see Sale lick their wounds and gain a measure of revenge over Sarries on Saturday.

"It was a very difficult game," he said. "Saracens could have won and we could have won - we were maybe just a little bit unlucky but they defended and played pretty well and we unfortunately lost.

"We're disappointed, of course, because it was very close. We almost won and we had won three premiership games in a row before that.

"We want to keep winning games so it was disappointing but, you know, it's a tough competition. Saracens, Clermont and Munster, in fact every team we play against, it's tough.

"[Scoring a try] was a good moment for me. I was happy - everybody is happy who scores tries especially against Saracens.

"Every game we play, our target is to get a good result for us, especially the next game - we only have positive thoughts.

"We have to improve every part of the game that wasn't good and it doesn't matter if we play home or away, the object will be to show good resolve."

And after three straight Aviva Premiership Rugby wins - against London Irish, Harlequins and Newcastle Falcons - league clashes with Exeter Chiefs and Leicester Tigers before the New Year are also on Ostrikov's mind.

He added: "They're very important games but every game is important, even this next game against Saracens. Against Exeter in the Premiership at home will be a very good chance to enter the top four, so for us they're massive games.

"The Premiership is one of the best competitions in the world and you always have to stay in good shape, have a good mentality and stay positive. You have to work hard but I'm enjoying it."

Tickets for the home games against Exeter Chiefs and Leicester Tigers are available. They can be purchased online at https://www.eticketing.co.uk/salesharksrugby/default.aspx or by phoning 08444-994 994 . If you require a call back please email your name and number to info@salesharks.com and we will call you back.