Bristol RC Bears vs Northampton Saints Prediction & Betting Tips - English Premiership Rugby

Prediction published on 21/03/2024, 15:25  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 22/03/2024 at 07:45 in Rugby Predictions

The Bristol Bears will play host to the Northampton Saints in round 13 of the Gallagher Premiership on Friday evening. The hosts are in eighth place in the Premiership standings, while the visitors lead the league. Heading into the match, Bristol finds themselves in a tough spot and need to find a winning run over the final six games of the season if they are to reach the playoffs. In their last Premiership encounter, the Bears emerged victorious in a remarkable contest against Bath, where a total of 101 points were scored. The confidence gained from that win will need to be carried forward as they prepare to face an in-form Northampton Saints in their upcoming match. Currently positioned eighth in the table, the Bears are only six points adrift of the top four. Like several teams in the competition, Bristol have international quality returning to the side this week, with Ellis Genge and Max Malins both back in the squad. In addition, Yann Thomas is poised to make his debut appearance in the Premiership this season at loosehead prop, accompanied by a change in the backline as Noah Heward transitions to full-back and Siva Naulago moves to the flank. 

Meanwhile, Northampton Saints have looked a cut above the rest so far and are the top-performing team in the Premiership over the first 12 rounds, currently holding a seven-point lead over second-placed Harlequins as they enter this week's fixtures. Before the international break, the Saints were on an impressive ten-match unbeaten streak across all competitions and prepared for the resumption of competitive play with a 24-10 victory over Sale Sharks in a friendly match last week. England internationals Alex Coles and Fin Smith will make their return to the Northampton Saints' starting lineup after their involvement in the Six Nations. Since their defeat on October 21st, the Saints have made significant strides forward, and with the quality they possess within their squad, they are expected to continue their upward trajectory in this one.