2020-21 Premiership Rugby – Bristol Bears vs Northampton Saints Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When is Bristol Bears vs Northampton Saints taking place? Friday 4th December, 2020 – 19:45 (UK)

Where is Bristol Bears vs Northampton Saints taking place? Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol

What is the expected weather for Bristol Bears vs Northampton Saints? Showers, 4c

Where can I get tickets for Bristol Bears vs Northampton Saints? Check official club websites for information about purchasing tickets

What television channel is Bristol Bears vs Northampton Saints on? BT Sport have the rights to televise Gallagher Premiership matches so it is worth checking their schedule

Where can I stream Bristol Bears vs Northampton Saints? If televised on BT Sport, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app

THE TEAM NEWS

Bristol Bears: 15 Henry Purdy, 14 Niyi Adeolokun, 13 Piers O’Conor, 12 Siale Piutau (c), 11 Alapati Leiua, 10 Sam Bedlow, 9 Andy Uren, 8 Nathan Hughes, 7 Dan Thomas, 6 Jake Heenan, 5 Joe Joyce, 4 Dave Attwood, 3 Max Lahiff, 2 Bryan Byrne, 1 Jake Woolmore

Replacements: 16 Will Capon, 17 Yann Thomas, 18 John Afoa, 19 Ed Holmes, 20 Mitch Eadie, 21 Harry Randall, 22 Tiff Eden, 23 Toby Fricker

Northampton Saints: 15 Ahsee Tuala, 14 Matt Proctor, 13 Piers Francis, 12 Rory Hutchinson, 11 Tom Collins, 10 James Grayson, 9 Henry Taylor, 8 Tom Wood, 7 Lewis Ludlam (cc), 6 Nick Isiekwe, 5 David Ribbans, 4 Api Ratuniyarawa, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Reece Marshall, 1 Alex Waller (cc)

Replacements: 16 James Fish, 17 Francois Van Wyk, 18 Ehren Painter, 19 Alex Coles, 20 Shaun Adendorff, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Fraser Dingwall, 23 Taqele Naiyaravoro

THE PREDICTION

Northampton Saints were embarrassed at home despite scoring 29 points when Harlequins outscored them by 20 points and they are one of just two teams to lose both of their Premiership matches so far this new season. They have scored more points than their next opponents, Bristol Bears, but look soft defensively and are desperate for the return of their internationals. Bristol righted the wrongs of a first round loss to Wasps by comfortably defeating Worcester at Ashton Gate and the return of limited fans to their stadium will be cause for celebration here. The bears can cover -10 at least to win with that energy in the stadium.