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A couple of chances for Northampton to tell you about - the first a gilt-edged chance one for Louis Picamoles, whose pass is misdirected when he had team-mates out wide and with the line at their mercy.

This is more like it for the Saints, though, who have the ball five metres from the Exeter line.

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Approaching the end of the first quarter at Ashton Gate and there's been some positives from Bristol.

However, Saracens have been clinical so far and produced two or three turnovers when the hosts have looked promising.

From bang in front, Gareth Steenson makes no mistake. Emphatic from Exeter.

This is all Exeter. Harry Mallinder's attempted clearance is charged down and the Chiefs sense blood, working through the phases and making their way up to the five-metre line.

Thomas Waldrom soon spills the ball - but only after Northampton and infringed at the breakdown, handing Gareth Steenson a further opportunity from the tee...

Saracens and England second row Maro Itoje is penalised for not rolling away and Bristol get awarded the first penalty of the game on 10 minutes.

Good chance for them to clear their own lines through fly-half Tusi Pisi's boot.

Not quite clicking yet for Mark McCall's men on the road.

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No points on the board so far in the opening eight minutes at Ashton Gate.

Bristol passing some stiff defensive sets against a fairly intent Saracens.

Maybe a smile or two might break out across Andy Robinson's face at that? 

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But the respite for Northampton is brief - Exeter immediately pile on the pressure again, the hosts illegally collapse a fast-moving white maul and Gareth Steenson splits the posts.

Exeter strike first.

It's the visitors who've started the better, securing a scrum on the 22 and then switching the play from right to left, before Harry Mallinder turns the ball over and then clears into touch.

Every scrum, kick and maul of tonight's two games is live on BBC local radio.

Make your choice of listening by clicking through the Live Coverage options at the top of the page.

BBC Radio Bristol are in position at Ashton Gate, while our teams from BBC Radio Northampton and BBC Radio Devon are all set to go from Franklin's Gardens.

And it's the boot of Gareth Steenson that kicks us off. It looks a pleasant evening in the East Midlands - dry, a light breeze and a decent little atmosphere.

And we're off and running with the action at Ashton Gate.

Can Bristol end this unwanted streak?

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That's quite enough of us waffling, I'm sure you'll agree.

The two teams are out at Franklin's Gardens - Exeter Chiefs, all in white, emerge to polite applause, before Northampton, in their traditional colours of green, amber and black, are greeted by a roar.

Speaking of the Saints, a late change to tell you about too - Harry Mallinder has replaced Stephen Myler at fly-half, Rory Hutchinson comes in at centre and Sam Olver steps up to the bench.

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Bristol director of rugby Andy Robinson told BBC Radio Bristol:

"It's going to be a cracking game of rugby, playing against the very best side in the northern hemisphere - that's exactly the kind of challenge you want.

"We've got to be very accurate. We've got to get our things right and focus on ourselves.

"I believe we've improved. We need everyone to give 100% for the whole 80 minutes."

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Tonight's visitors to Franklin's Gardens, it's fair to say, also began their season in unspectacular fashion.

But, having lost both of their opening two fixtures, Exeter Chiefs go in to tonight's contest off the back of successive victories - and head coach Rob Baxter is expecting another "great occasion".

"Northampton are a good side," Baxter told BBC Radio Devon. "They probably should have beaten Wasps and probably feel a bit aggrieved that they didn't.

"Franklin's Gardens is a great place to play rugby so everything says it should be a great occasion."

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Northampton may well have endured a stuttering start to their Premiership campaign, but that hasn't stopped Wales wing George North from catching the eye - at least that of his coach, anyway.

The 24-year-old, whose tally of 62 caps at the age of 24 never ceases to amaze, scored the opening try of last week's defeat by Wasps.

"When we play well our back three get hold of the ball a lot and I think George North had one of his best games for Saints," said Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder.

"I know he's had some criticism for some of his performances, but he was tremendous."

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Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall:

"Bristol have proved how competitive they are at home already this season.

"We're well aware that a trip to Ashton Gate under the lights will be a tough examination for us.

"We're running low on a few bodies in the backs, but that gives us the chance to blood a few youngsters. We're looking forward to seeing how they meet the challenge."

It's been a while since these two sides played each other in a Premiership fixture.

Going on for eight years no less.

Saracens were 37-13 victors at Vicarage Road on 11 January, 2009 and their win was masterminded by two familiar figures in the home dugout no less.

Here's a serious-looking pair of poses from Eddie Jones and Andy Farrell.

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... Sarries captain Brad Barritt also scored one of their four tries that day.