Bath have the opportunity to secure a play-off spot in their upcoming match against Bristol.
The match is especially crucial for Bath, as a win could also secure a home semi-final. Bristol, positioned sixth in the league, face a must-win situation, needing victories in their remaining two games to have a chance at making the top four.
MacGinty Returns for Bristol
AJ MacGinty is set to make his return to the Bristol side after recovering from an Achilles rupture sustained in September. He will be partnered with Harry Randall. Matias Moroni joins Benhard Janse van Rensburg in midfield. Louis Rees-Zammit retains his place on the wing.
Bath Team Changes
Kepu Tuipulotu joins the front row. Ethan Staddon and Sam Underhill also come into the pack. Ciaran Donoghue makes just a second league start of the season. Max Ojomoh and Ollie Lawrence start in the midfield.
Teams Named
Bristol: Heward; Ravouvou, Rees-Zammit, Moroni, van Rensburg; MacGinty, Randall; Genge, Thacker, Kloska; Dun, Batley, Owen, Harding, Grondona.
Replacements: Gwilliam, Woolmore, Lahiff, Halliwell, Taylor, Marmion, Jordan, Bates.
Bath: Carreras; Cokanasiga, Lawrence, Ojomoh, Arundell; Donoghue, Spencer (c); Obana, Tuipulotu, du Toit; Hill, Ewels, Staddon, Underhill, Pepper.
Replacements: Frost, van Wyk, Sela, Richards, Bayliss, Carr-Smith, Redpath, Barbeary.
The Broader Prem Rugby Picture
With only two games remaining in the Prem Rugby season, much is still at stake for numerous teams. Northampton have already secured a play-off spot. Five teams are still in contention for the remaining three play-off positions.
Three teams are competing for two spots to secure European rugby next term. Bath beat Bristol 40-15 in the reverse fixture earlier this Prem Rugby season.
The penultimate weekend of fixtures promises high stakes and intense competition. You can listen to coverage of all of the matches on BBC DAB and FM local radio, via BBC Sounds or the BBC Sport website and app.
This weekend’s match is one of several key fixtures as the Prem Rugby season nears its conclusion.