Team news: Sale Sharks vs Bristol Bears

AJ MacGinty will make his return from injury when Bristol Bears take on Sale Sharks at Salford Community Stadium on Friday night (7.45pm KO, live on TNT Sports).

The fly-half, who sustained a hamstring injury in the round one victory over Leicester Tigers in October, is back for the round 11 clash against his former club, with Callum Sheedy ruled out through injury.

James Williams comes into the side at inside centre in place of the injured Virimi Vakatawa, with Benhard Janse van Rensburg shifting to outside centre. Gabriel Ibitoye returns in the back three, with Rich Lane dropping to the bench.

Up front, Josh Caulfield replaces the injured James Dun in the second row, while Jake Woolmore comes into the front row. Steven Luatua continues as captain the absence of Fitz Harding.

Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Going up to Sale on a Friday night is one of the tougher challenges in the Gallagher Premiership, highlighted by the fact that they have not lost at home in the league this season.

“We know playing as a team for 80mins will give us the best chance of success, and that is our main focus on Friday night.”

Bristol Bears team to face Sale Sharks at Salford Community Stadium on Friday night (7.45pm KO, live on TNT Sports):

15. Max Malins (25 apps), 14. Noah Heward (13 apps), 13. Benhard Janse van Rensburg (14 apps), 12. James Williams (31 apps), 11. Gabriel Ibitoye (30 apps), 10. AJ MacGinty (27 apps), 9. Harry Randall (115 apps); 1. Jake Woolmore (143 apps), 2. Gabriel Oghre (8 apps), 3. Kyle Sinckler (51 apps), 4. Josh Caulfield (16 apps), 5. Joe Batley (53 apps), 6. Steven Luatua (119 apps) (c), 7. Dan Thomas (140 apps), 8. Magnus Bradbury (34 apps).

System players: 16. Will Capon (82 apps), 17. Sam Grahamslaw (4 apps), 18. George Kloska (41 apps) 19. Joe Owen (1 app), 20. Jake Heenan (102 apps), 21. Kieran Marmion (13 apps), 22. Kalaveti Ravouvou (5 apps), 23. Rich Lane (29 apps).

Unavailable: Ellis Genge, Yann Thomas, Harry Thacker, James Dun, Chris Vui, Santiago Grondona, Fitz Harding, Callum Sheedy, Virimi Vakatawa, Siva Naulago.