Premiership rugby: round 9 preview.

So we're now past Christmas and we've got a big round of games this weekend in The Premiership.

Bristol v Sale

The bears will want to put on a show at Ashton Gate tonight. Their handling at Leicester last weekend was sublime at times. AJ MacGinty went off injured last weekend but their play didn't suffer in his absence. But he is a key player for Bristol.

Sale will arrive in Bristol on the back of a bonus point win against Exeter in difficult conditions. They're going to hope for big games from Tom and Ben Curry to slow the breakdown, if Bristol get quick ball it could be a long night for Sale.

Phil's prediction: Bristol to continue to entertain and get the victory.

Bath v Saracens

Saturday afternoon kicks off with a huge clash at The Rec. Bath were impressive in tough conditions at Kingston Park last weekend. The depth that Bath have is something else, Steve Diamond made his thoughts clear on that! Whoever starts for Bath is under pressure to perform. Ted Hill against Theo McFarland pits two of the most athletic forwards against each other in the league. Likewise Ben Earl v Alfie Barbeary at 8 is a mouth watering contest.

Phil's prediction: expect Bath to put down a real marker here. Bath's bench is excellent and I can see that being the difference.

Northampton v Newcastle

Newcastle don't travel well and will look to stay in the game for as long as they can to make life hard for Northampton. I would really like to see Adam Radwan with more ball in hand as he's devastating in attack on his day.

As for Northampton, they'll want to forget their first half against Saracens last week and build on a second half performance that got them a bonus point. They'll want to put a statement performance in. Henry Pollock starts at number 8 which creates a good battle with Callum Chick who never takes a backwards step in a Falcons shirt. If Saints get going then the elusive running George Henry at full back could make a load of running meters.

Phil's prediction: Falcons to be physical and committed but Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith to get the Saints backline firing to a bonus point victory.

Harlequins v Leicester

This one at Twickenham puts two teams against each other who are desperate to right some wrongs from round eight.

Harlequins attack didn't get going at Kingsholm last weekend, they haven't been as fluid this season in attack. But Quins live being at Twickenham and hopefully Marcus Smith can pull the strings to get a sell out crowd on its feet.

Leicester will be hugely disappointed with the way Bristol were allowed to play in the first half last week. In a typical Leicester way, I expect it's been a tough training week on the back of that.

Phil's prediction: I'm going to stick my neck on the line here and say Leicester are going to bring physicality to Twickenham and take the win.

Exeter v Gloucester

The final game of the weekend is the winless Exeter Chiefs take on Gloucester at Sandy Park.

From what I've seen, Exeter really aren't that far off it and are obviously going to be desperate for a win. Henry Slade being back and fit did them along with Dafydd Jenkins in recent weeks are big boosts for Exeter.

Gloucester's defensive effort was brilliant last week at Kingsholm against Harlequins. But they will be frustrated about leaving some tries out there. Tomos Williams has been key to Gloucester this season and is my player of the season so far. But key here is the forward battle, Jack Clement against Ethan Roots could be key to who gets on the winning side.

Phil's prediction: I think this is the week that Exeter get their win. Sandy Park will be full and they haven't been that far off.