Both these sides are in terrible form at the moment. Northampton have lost their last four, while Sale are faring even worse with six straight defeats.

At the moment it looks like the Saints will snap their four-game losing streak, but there's still 40 minutes to go and Sale did show signs that they are still in this in the closing stages of the first half. 

Image source, Rex Features

This weekend the Premiership enters the halfway stage of the 2016-17 campaign, but who is top of the class and who needs to stay behind for extra tuition?

Former England centre and BBC Sport pundit Jeremy Guscott gives his half-term report on how each of the 12 clubs have fared so far.

Read the full piece here to find out which sides have earned an A.

While Northampton and Sale's players may be looking forward to putting their feet up at some stage over the next two days after tonight's tough workout, not all sports stars around the world enjoy Christmas Day off, as BBC Sport explores...

The Saints go to the break with a 14-point lead and it's fully deserved. They scored two tries in the first 30 minutes and had another one disallowed for a forward pass.

Sale barely had a look-in during those opening exchanges, but they really should have some points on the board as the half went on, just individual errors at crucial moments have cost them so far. 

Image source, Rex Features

Mike Phillips is sin-binned for a neck role on Alex Waller and Sale are now down to 14 men. 

Sale are getting closer but they are just letting themselves down at the final hurdle at the moment. Alan MacGinty drops the ball and the chance goes begging. 

Nafi Tuitavake is on as a replacement for his Premiership debut for the Saints, as Stephen Myler has to go off for a blood injury to the head. 

This is Sale's best spell of pressure. Denny Solomona, on his Premiership debut, tries to find a way through on the right wing, but Northampton's defence is immense at the moment. 

Sale have finally made some headway and for the first time they have possession in the 22. It's their first opportunity to get some points on the board, but Saints hold firm and get possession back after a collapsed maul.

Image source, Rex Features

Two poor kicks from Mike Phillips have put the visitors under pressure and Northampton are now back in possession and look to remain in the box seat. The home side supporters will be very pleased with the start they have seen from their side. 

After an explosive start from the hosts, Sale have held their own in the past five minutes but have yet to really threaten. 

Denny Solomona was close to getting away on the right-hand side although Northampton, who have lost their past four matches, are still on top. 

Image source, BBC Sport

Meanwhile, tonight World Rugby have said they want more information from the Rugby Football Union about Northampton's "apparent non-compliance" with concussion protocols relating to George North's latest head injury.

The Northampton wing should not have returned to the field of play after a mid-air tackle on 3 December, a recent RFU concussion review panel found.

You can read more on that developing story here.

Northampton think they have their second try with Nic Groom going over, but this one is ruled out for a forward pass

The Saints have had plenty of momentum in the first three minutes. No opportunity for them to cross the try-line as yet, but they have had all the pressure. 

Northampton get us under way and it's game on

The teams are out now at a mild Franklin's Gardens. Storm Barbara caused a little bit of havoc a couple of hours before kick-off with a torrential downpour, but conditions are fine now and we're all set. 

Alex Waller led out the Saints on his 200th appearance. 

Who will be Ding Dong Merrily on High come the final whistle? Will Sale be Driving Home for Christmas disappointed? All that both teams want for Christmas is the victory. It won't be a Silent Night at Franklin's Gardens that's for sure. 

Round 11 of the Premiership is about to get under way...

We would love to hear your thoughts as all the action happens this evening.

Both sides go into the game on the back of defeats and are not exactly in form at the moment. 

The Saints were hammered 60-13 by Leinster in the Champions Cup at the weekend, while Sale lost 24-10 at Saracens.

What are your thoughts on your team's season so far? At half-time, we'll bring you the thoughts of former England centre and BBC Sport pundit Jeremy Guscott.

Get in touch via Twitter using #bbcrugby

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