After two weeks of LV= Cup action both teams return to the serious business of Premiership competition, with Northampton  who are enjoying a very promising start to their season and currently in fourth place, and Harlequins who have had a more mixed start to their season. Their eighth place in the table, belies the fact that Harlequins have not lost a match in their last five outings, although there have been a couple of draws thee has been no loss with their last defeat being against Toulouse in the Heineken cup. The story of Quins season is beginning to show progression, we are not the finished article but getting there. The young side that beat Newcastle weekend showed what can be done and will have renewed enthusiasm about the team.

Both teams will be missing key players to international duty as well as injury. Northampton be without Dylan Hartley, and Shane Geraghty, while Courtney Lawes and Ben Foden were sent back to their club this week by England, Neil Best may possibly away with Ireland. but it is expected that Euan Murray may play some part in Saturday’s game. Quins will be without talismanic Ugo Monye and Danny care, Easter is believed to be still injured and Strettle another player released by England will be available if he has recovered from his rib injury. Last week it was reported that Nick Evans was expected to return for this game, but that has yet to be confirmed, as Rory Clegg has grown in confidence over the past three matches, culminating in his demolition of his old club Newcastle last weekend.  Another milestone is passed this weekend with the ending of Tom Williams ban. He is now available but it is unlikely he will be rushed back into the squad.

Northampton have won just one of their last four matches against Harlequins: 23-13 was the result in the equivalent fixture in the Guinness Premiership last season. Quins have won only once at Franklin's Gardens since 1997: 28-15 back in February 2007, the year Northampton we relegated.

Northampton Saints have won three of their last four encounters in all competitions and they also have an impressive record by winning their last ten matches at Franklin's Gardens. Harlequins are unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions, a run which has included two draws. Quins only defeat in their last four away matches was 6-20 at Cardiff Blues in the European Cup on 10 October, a score that hides a good performance by Harlequins, but they just could not cross the try line

The match Referee is Peter Allan of the SRU who is officiating in his 1st Premiership game

Another must win game for both teams should see a competitive game,  and whatever the result the two sets of supporters will chat and enjoy their pints in the bars as the commiserate with each other over England’s performance!.

If they concentrate Quins by 8

Come on You Quins!

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