Hill's men need to dig out every point

Every game Bristol will play between now and the end of the season is going to be crucial – and tomorrow's match against Northampton certainly has the feel of a massive match.

Bristol need to get that first Guinness Premiership win of the season under their belts. They have lost five from five so far – and that type of run cannot continue.

Quite simply, there is no hiding from the fact that this is a huge game for Bristol. They need to dig out every win and every losing bonus they can, because they are in a real relegation battle – even though we are only in November.

Even if Bristol win tomorrow, they are by no means out of the mire – far from it. But a win would do wonders for their confidence – and they will have identified this international break as an opportunity to get some points on the board.

If they don't win tomorrow, then it really does start to look bleak for them.

I look at Newcastle and Worcester, teams who could also end up in the dog-fight, and they seem to believe they will at least win some of their home games. But when I talk to a lot of Bristol supporters, it seems it is more a case of, 'Oh my God, I hope we can get a win somewhere'.

There is only so much that Richard Hill and his hard-working squad can do. They are battling against it and there is no doubt there has not been enough money spent on player recruitment.

You can't blame the coach or the players, you have to focus your blame higher up the club than that. There has been a definite under-investment in the squad – and it is clear that guts, spirit and determination will only get you so far. You also need quality.

And that is where my main fear about Bristol lies – that they simply do not have enough quality. They are relying on pride, passion and men who play for the badge on their chest – but you can only do that for so long.

While Bristol will try to break out of their losing habit in the Premiership tomorrow, Bath will aim to maintain their winning run in the league.

I know they are missing Michael Claassens, but with Butch James back and refreshed after a break, I would not write Bath off even against a side as good as Leicester.

Gloucester are at Saracens – and Eddie Jones seems to have moved Saracens on from that wishy-washy side they once were. If it was at Kingsholm, I would have no hesitation in backing Gloucester – but I think they might struggle to win at Vicarage Road.