Gloucester vs Northampton Saints Prediction: Super Saints can go again

It was a largely successful first fortnight of European action for the Premiership clubs, with Gloucester and Leicester among the teams to win both of their matches.

The Cherry and Whites put a miserable run of domestic form behind them to beat Challenge Cup rivals Black Lion 15-10 and Clermont 28-17. The first fixture, a long trip east to Georgia, had all the hallmarks of a banana skin but they passed that test and could afford to play with more freedom against Les Jaunards on an evening that felt reminiscent of some of the great European nights of yore at Kingsholm.

Northampton also excelled, winning 28-19 away at Glasgow before returning to Franklin's Gardens for a 22-19 success against Toulon to stake their claim as a potential wildcard for Champions Cup glory.

They prepared for their European adventure by beating both Harlequins and Saracens and their speed and skill behind the scrum means they could enjoy another successful afternoon on Saturday.

Match Odds

Gloucester are 4/6 to build on their recent momentum with another victory, with Saints the 13/10 underdogs and the tie 20/1.

A Handicap of -3 is available at 5/6 on the Cherry and Whites, while visiting three-quarter Tommy Freeman touched down twice in last season's meeting at Kingsholm. He also grabbed a brace in his team's last away game at Glasgow and is one to watch on Saturday.

Team News

Gloucester are boosted by the returns of back-row Ruan Ackermann and fly-half Adam Hastings. The latter's inclusion sees Santi Carreras move to full-back, while Ackerman forms a strong-looking back-row alongside Zach Mercer and Lewis Ludlow.

Northampton have recalled centres Rory Hutchinson and Fraser Dingwall, with Freeman switching to the left wing.

Tom Litchfield makes his first start for the club on the opposite wing, while the only change in the pack sees Paul Hill come in at tighthead prop.

Northampton to win @ 13/10

It still seems remarkable that Northampton reached last season's Premiership play-offs, despite conceding an average of 30.55 points per game in the regular season.

The summer arrival of defence coach Lee Radford has undoubtedly improved that facet of their game, with the Saints now leaking just under 22 points per league match, with their most impressive display coming as they restricted Saracens in their 18-12 win at the StoneX.

Phil Dowson's side will always score tries and he will fancy his back-line to exploit the second-worst defence in the league.

It is also worth remembering that Gloucester lost six in a row before their European exploits and confidence may still be an issue within George Skivington's dressing room.

In contrast, belief is an attribute the Saints possess in abundance and with their forwards more competitive than in recent years, they look a good price to grab a third Premiership victory on the bounce.