Northampton v Sale (Sat)

Northampton make one change to the starting side that beat Wasps with Calum Clark in at flanker for Phil Dowson, who drops to the bench.

Full-back Ben Foden, who was arrested on Monday on suspicion of causing criminal damage, retains his place.

Sale also make a change to their back row as David Seymour makes his first start since October.

James Gaskell, who has just signed a new deal with the Sharks, lines up on the other flank.

Northampton Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder told BBC Look East:

“I was delighted with last week’s performance. All the England lads came back and contributed magnificently, plus all the other lads who’ve been in for criticism in the last few weeks.

“We need a top-four finish. We’ll aim to get as high as we can and a lot of the top teams have got to play each other.

“Sale will be really pleased with last week’s win (against Leeds) so they might come here ready to play some rugby, and they’ll come to test us.”

Northampton: Foden; Ashton, Clarke, Downey, Diggin; Myler, Dickson; Tonga’uiha, Hartley (capt), Mujati; Lawes, Day; Clark, Wood, Wilson.

Replacements: Sharman, Waller, Mercey, Sorenson, Dowson, Commins, Geraghty, Reihana.

Sale: Macleod; Cohen, Bell, Tonetti, Cueto (capt); Hodgson, Peel; Imiolek, Briggs, Thomas; C Jones, Lewaravu; Gaskell, Seymour, Koyamaibole.

Replacements: M Jones, Lewis-Roberts, Forster, Rouse, McMillan, Cliff, Miller, Thornley.