Bristol vs Northampton predictions & rugby betting tips: Bears look too strong for depleted Saints

Where to watch Bristol vs Northampton

You can watch Bristol vs Northampton on TNT Sports 1 at 7.45 on Friday

Match prediction & best bet

Bristol -7
2pts 10-11 Paddy Power

Bristol vs Northampton predictions

The Premiership heads into a month-long international break after this weekend's games but England players are already in camp and that could prove significant for Northampton, who head to free-scoring Bristol missing some big names on Friday night.

The Saints make ten changes from their starting line-up in last week's big win over Sale, and among those away with England are fly-half Fin Smith and outside backs Tommy Freeman, George Furbank and Ollie Sleightholme.

George Makepeace-Cubitt is in line to make his Premiership debut at number ten while Tom James continues at scrum-half with Alex Mitchell still on the injured list.

Bristol are without England players Ellis Genge and Harry Randall but are boosted by the return of experienced flanker Steve Luatua while centres Kalaveti Ravouvou and Benhard Janse van Rensburg return from injury to form a strong attacking midfield partnership.

The Bears are yet to win at home this season but although they were stunned by Gloucester in round two, they were edged by a last-minute penalty against Saracens last week having led 32-17 early in the second half and have not held back in attack.

Bristol have picked up a try-bonus point in every match this season, their last four games have produced a total of 294 points and 39 points and they should be too sharp for the Saints, who have lost both away games this season.

In the United Rugby Championship Scarlets give up 18 points at home to Zebre (Premier Sports 1, 7.35pm) while the Bulls are 4-6 to beat Benetton in Italy (Premier Sports 2, 7.35pm).

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