Northampton vs Bath: Premiership rugby union predictions, team news, betting tips and odds

Date Saturday, October 10Starts 3.05pmVenue Franklin's Gardens, NorthamptonCompetition Gallagher PremTV Live on TNT Sports 1

James Pater to score a try and Northampton to win1pt 11-8 Hills

All four teams playing on Saturday will feel they have a realistic chance of finishing in the top four.

The last two English champions meet at Franklin's Gardens, and Northampton are taken to get the better of Bath.

Saints saw off Newcastle 59-26 in the opening game of their title defence but were well beaten 41-26 at Bristol.

They are unbeaten at home in the league since March 2025 and have won the last six meetings between these clubs at the Gardens.

Bath have defeated Harlequins 33-17 and Exeter 40-34, but have stacked their bench, perhaps to keep players fresh for next Saturday's Champions Cup opener against Montpellier.

Northampton have made four changes, with rookie full-back James Pater restored to the team after being benched for the Bristol defeat.

After a hat-trick in the win over Newcastle, the teenager's exclusion at Ashton Gate may have been more about managing his minutes.

Pater's gliding running style recalls his predecessor in his club's number 15 shirt, George Furbank, and he could go over in another Northampton home win.

The late game looks primed for an upset. Bristol have failed to win their last ten meetings with Saracens, but their hosts are enduring a strange time with the row over Brendan Venter's role.

After an encouraging 40-38 opening win at Leicester, they were poor in their 21-17 defeat to Sale. Bristol beat Exeter 34-24 before defeating Northampton.

Sarries boast obvious quality, including having Owen Farrell back at fly-half. The Bears have left some players out but their brilliant attacking play may make their match odds look big.

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The match kicks off at 3.05pm on Saturday, October 10.

Northampton's home ground is Franklin's Gardens.

Northampton are 1-4 favourites, while Bath are 15-8, and the draw is 25-1. The handicap mark is ten points (bet365).

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