Gloucester v Northampton predictions and rugby union tips by Graham Woods

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Gloucester v Northampton in the Premiership on Saturday

Where to watch

BT Sport 2, 3pm Saturday

Best bet

Northampton
2pts 6-5 Betfair, Paddy Power

Match preview

Even Northampton coach Chris Boyd admitted Gloucester look falsely placed at the bottom of the Premiership after six rounds, but the Cherry & Whites' longed-for second win of the season may be a while more coming.

Gloucester haven't won a league game since the opening round but while the table shows opponents Northampton have two victories to their name, only one of those was on the pitch - the other was awarded after a cancelled game.

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Indeed, Northampton haven't played since December 26 but while it's easy to chalk that up as a negative, Gloucester have had a two-week layoff so it's hard to judge how either team will shape up.

After shipping four tries in each of their first four games, Gloucester have at least looked as if they are tightening up their defence and welcome back scrum-half Willi Heinz from injury for his first start of the season.

But there could be a lack of physicality with Ben Morgan and Jake Polledri injured plus Ed Slater banned, and that's an area Northampton can exploit.

Winger Taqele Naiyaravoro and Fijian lock Api Ratuniyarawa come into the side, while there's a solid back row of Nick Isiekwe, Lewis Ludlam and Shaun Adendorff.

It's a tough game to call but odds-against quotes about the Saints appeal more.

In Saturday's other Premiership game, second-bottom Worcester get a handicap in the teens against champions Exeter, who have lost their last two games.

In the Pro14 Munster take on Benetton while champions Leinster are 11-point favourites at Scarlets.

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