Bristol vs Northampton Saints Prediction: Bears can halt Saints’ march

Ashton Gate has not been a happy hunting ground for Northampton Saints in recent years and another tough game awaits the Gallagher Prem frontrunners on Saturday (17:45, TNT Sports 1) as they prepare to face the Bristol Bears.

Alex Jack provides his best bets in his Bristol vs Northampton Saints prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the clash in the West Country.

Bristol vs Northampton Saints Odds

Bristol Bears are the 8/13 favourites, while Northampton Saints are 13/10 to return to the East Midlands with the spoils.

A draw at Ashton Gate is currently 22/1, while Bristol to be leading at both the half-time and full-time whistle are available at 11/10.

Team News

Starting with the Bears, the hosts Jake Woolmore, Harry Thacker and Lovejoy Chawatama in the front row, with locks Pedro Rubiolo and Joe Batley in the second row.

Santiago Grondona, skipper Fitz Harding and Viliame Mata form the back row, with Kieran Marmion and Sam Worsley in the half-backs.

James Williams and Benhard Janse van Rensburg start in the centres, while Kalaveti Ravouvou, Jack Bates and Tom Jordan are the back three for Bristol.

As for Northampton, the visitors go with Emmanuel Iyogun, Craig Wright and Trevor Davison in the front row.

Locks Ed Prowse and JJ Van Der Mescht start in the second row, with Josh Kemeny, Sam Graham and Callum Chick in the back row.

Archie McParland and Fin Smith start in the half-backs, with Toby Thame and Tom Litchfield in the centres.

Northampton’s backline is completed with Amena Caqusau and Edoardo Todaro on the wings, with skipper George Furbank at full-back.

Bristol -6 handicap @ 11/10

Northampton's title credentials will be put to the test on Saturday with this tough trip to a ground that doesn't hold many fond memories for the Saints in recent times.

Losing all of their last four away games at Bristol in all competitions, including three Gallagher Prem defeats, it's fair to say the Bears have had the sign over the Saints in the West Country.

Northampton are missing some of their big England stars, with Henry Pollock, Alex Mitchell and Tommy Freeman, who all featured on the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia last summer, notable absentees.

Bristol are missing some big names of their own, with England star Ellis Genge, Harry Randall and Gabriel Ibitoye all out.

However, there is enough in this Bears squad to suggest they can win another arm wrestle against Northampton this weekend and cover the handicap.

Tom Jordan is back at full-back after his efforts with Scotland and can add both attacking and defensive quality.

Wales flyer Louis Rees-Zammit is on the bench and when legs get tired in the second half, he can run riot to help the Bears over the line for what would be their fourth win of the Gallagher Prem season.

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