Bristol Bears v Northampton Saints: Tom Vickers' big match preview

Competition: Gallagher Premiership (round 19)

Venue: Ashton Gate, Bristol

Date and kick-off time: Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 7.45pm

Weather: Mostly cloudy, 19c

Live television coverage: BT Sport 1

Referee: Tom Foley (81st Premiership match)

Bristol Bears: C Piutau; O'Conor, Radradra, S Piutau (c), Leiua; Sheedy, Uren; Woolmore, Thacker, Sinckler; Attwood, Joyce; Vui, Earl, Hughes.

Replacements: Capon, Y Thomas, McCabe, Luatua, D Thomas, Cook, Malins, Morahan.

Saints: Freeman; Olowofela, Dingwall, Francis, Naiyaravoro; Grayson, James; Hobbs-Awoyemi, Haywood, Painter; Moon, Isiekwe; Gibson, Ludlam (c), Adendorff.

Replacements: Marshall, Auterac, Garside, Bean, Uru, Taylor, Bird-Tulloch, Gillespie.

Outs: Saints: Alex Coles (ankle), Tom Collins (foot), Harry Mallinder (knee), Ollie Sleightholme (hamstring), Ahsee Tuala (groin), Connor Tupai (wrist), Alex Waller (achilles), Tom Wood (pulmonary embolism).

Most recent meeting: Sunday, February 16, 2020: Saints 14 Bristol Bears 20 (Gallagher Premiership)

Tom's preview: Barring something quite spectacular, Saints supporters will be bracing themselves for things getting worse before they get better at Ashton Gate on Tuesday night.

Because while Chris Boyd's side are down to the bare bones in the back three and severely lacking any sort of momentum, Bristol Bears have no such issues.

The home side are able to select the likes of Charles Piutau and Alapati Leiua as they go in search of another win that would enhance their top-two chances.

The Bears just keep pushing on in pursuit of their lofty ambitions this season.

But for Saints, who were in those positions during the halcyon days of late 2019, their play-off hopes have gone up in smoke since the restart.

They have won just one of five matches, with that victory coming at lowly London Irish.

And even with what would be considered their strongest side on the field at Ashton Gate on Tuesday, it would still be a really tough night.

It looks set to be much tougher than that as they are fielding a youthful team with some inexperienced players for this fixture.

Many will see it as one of those midweek mismatches that have been in evidence since the restart due to the hectic schedules and mixed selections coaches have been forced to make.

But for many of these Saints players it is an opportunity.

Whatever happens from here on in, they look pretty set to finish in the top eight, securing Champions Cup rugby for next season.

And now it's time to relieve the pressure that has been building since the resumption.

The desperation to win and get back in the top four has done nothing but hamper the black, green and gold.

They have found it tough to deal with late in games when their composure has been badly lacking.

Now they don't need to worry about the play-offs.

As frustrating as it is for them, they are surely not going to make the top four now.

What they need to finish the season with now is some precious momentum and confidence.

Because this Saints squad is at its best when it plays with freedom and belief.

At Bristol on Tuesday night, those qualities will be crucial.

Many will fancy Bristol to rack up a sizeable score with the power and panache they have picked.

But Saints can play a bit, too, and they need to stick to their style of play and just give it a go.

Earlier in the season, this looked like a mouthwatering match-up.

A battle between two teams who were on track in the race for a place at Twickenham in October.

The sides have taken very different paths then.

For Saints, it is now about increasing their squad depth for next season by blooding inexperienced players and building their knowledge of England top flight.

And facing this Bristol team on Tuesday night could certainly be some sort of experience.

Tom's prediction: It's very difficult to see Saints winning this game, and Bristol will fancy their chances of racking up a decent victory. Bristol Bears 30 Saints 15.