Preview: Sale Sharks vs Northampton Saints

Like so many other games this weekend, both sides come into this one with one win and on loss to their names. Northampton have found a tough opponent in Sale in recent years, and this one is likely to be a closely fought affair.

Sale have had a decidedly mixed start to their Premiership Campaign this year, with a heavy defeat to Saracens being followed up by a routine 14 point win over Worcester. They name a side which includes a number of ex internationals, with the likes of talisman Danny Cipriani in from the start. They will look to him to be the spark that can ignite a pacey backline which includes Will Addison and tom Arscott on the wings. If Sale are to have much joy against the Saints, then it is likely to be in the wide channels.

The Saints have enjoyed a somewhat better start to the season than their opponents, in spite of a shock one point loss to Worcester in the opening game of the season. A big bonus point win last time out over the Falcons will have boosted their spirits, and they have named another strong side this weekend. Their backline is littered with international talent, with Kahn Fotuaili’I, Luther Burrell, the Pisi brothers and Ben Foden all starting. Up front they are not short of talent either, with Courtney Lawes back in at lock looking to bring his abrasive style of play to the game.

In this meeting last season the Sharks were surprise victors over a side who, at the time, were challenging for top spot in the league. This Saints team will remember that match this weekend and will be keen to make amends for what was a poor performance on the day. The Sharks are no pushover at home, and Northampton will know that only a quality performance will be enough to take the spoils.

Last three matches

10/1/15 Sale Sharks 20 – 7 Northampton Saints

11/10/14 Northampton Saints 43 – 10 Sale Sharks

3/4/14 Sale Sharks 14 – 28 Northampton Saints

Prediction: Sale by 3.