Bristol vs Northampton Saints Prediction: Bears can maul new-look Saints

With England’s Autumn International Series getting underway next week, Bristol Bears and Northampton Saints will be without a host of big names when they go head-to-head at Ashton Gate on Friday night (19:45 kick-off).

The Bears have won three of their five games in the Premiership this season, but surprisingly both of their defeats have come on home turf.

Bristol look capable of putting that right against a Northampton side that have made 10 changes from the team that hammered Sale Sharks 47-17 last time out at Franklin’s Gardens. Below you can find my Bristol vs Northampton Saints prediction. 

Team News

Due to either injuries or England call-ups, Ellis Genge, Sam Grahamslaw, Josh Caulfield, Steele Barker, George Taylor, Santiago Grondona, Kofi Cripps, Viliame Mata, Harry Randall, James Williams, Siva Naulago, Noah Heward and Max Malins are all unavailable for Bristol on Friday.

In a boost for the Bears, outside centre Kalaveti Ravouvou has recovered from a shoulder injury and starts in the heart of the backline alongside Benhard Janse van Rensburg.

Rugby Union Odds

Meanwhile, it will be a big night for Benjamin Grondona, who will make his first Premiership start in place of his injured brother Santiago.

As for the visitors, Trevor Davison, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Ollie Sleightholme and Fin Smith miss the trip to the West Country after call-ups to Steve Borthwick’s England squad.

Northampton boss Phil Dowson has made 10 changes from the side that thrashed Sale last time out, with fly-half George Makepeace-Cubitt to make his first appearance for the Saints.

Second-row Alex Coles will wear the armband for Saints in place of Furbank, while it’s a new-look back three, as George Hendy starts at full-back, with Tom Seabrook and James Ramm on the wings.

Bristol vs Northampton Saints Odds

Bristol are the firm favourites at 3/10 to claim the win on home turf, while Northampton are 13/5 to head back across to the East Midlands with the victory.

A draw on the night is available at 22/1, while Bristol to win by 1-12 points inclusive is currently 9/5.

Bristol -11 handicap @ 5/4

Bristol Bears are playing Northampton at a good time in the season, with some of Saints key players away with England.

The Bears have been the dominant force in this fixture of late, winning all of their last four encounters with the Saints in all competitions.

It was back in November 2021 when Northampton earned their last win at Ashton Gate, when Saints ran out 36-20 winners.

Friday provides a big opportunity for some of Northampton’s fringe players and rising stars to show Dowson they can compete at this level, but it’s hard to see Saints coming out on top against a Bristol side less affected by England call-ups.

Northampton lost 52-21 on their last visit to Bristol and the Bears look capable of covering the -11 handicap on offer here. 

Rugby Union Betting Tips from Betfred Insights.