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Sale Sharks will be looking to illustrate their play-off aspirations when they host champions Northampton Saints.
Sale Sharks will be looking to illustrate their play-off aspirations when they host champions Northampton Saints.
Last year's winners have endured a dismal title defence - 10 points off the top four, coming into this weekend in eighth. A defeat at the Salford Community Stadium would all but end their slim chances of returning to Twickenham once more.
Meanwhile, Sale are bubbling along nicely in sixth and just two points off the top four after their bonus point win at Newcastle Falcons last time out, while Northampton suffered a humiliating 33-0 loss at home to arch rivals Leicester Tigers.
Crafty Carpenter in fine form
Joe Carpenter was at his best against Newcastle with four clean breaks - the joint most in the round. He also carried for 162 metres - the most in the round and second highest total this season.
Bevan Rodd made 11 tackles without missing one in round 12, the highest total with a 100% success rate. Sale's rock solid defence has been the bedrock of their campaign as they rank first in fewest missed tackles with just 256.
Pollock and Smith remain Saints' bright sparks
England's latest star, Henry Pollock, was only on the pitch for 32 minutes last Friday but made an impressive 89 metres in that time.
They'll be hoping Fin Smith can restore his form following a shaky display last time out - he has assisted three tries with kicks this season, which is more than any other player in the league.
Sale rank bottom in carries (1327), passes (1335) and scrum success (85.14) but have the highest lineout success in the division (92.35), largely through Luke Cowan-Dickie's accurate darts.
Northampton are yet to receive a red card this season, while they also top the tackle success rate (80.81) and have made more than anyone else (1941) suggesting this could be a tighter affair than many predict.