Northampton Saints scrum-half Alex Mitchell is confident his team is in a strong position ahead of their crucial Gallagher PREM East Midlands derby match against the Tigers. The Saints are currently at the top of the Gallagher PREM table, having secured a thrilling 41-38 victory over Bath in their last game. This success, coupled with their previous triumph over the Tigers in October, gives Mitchell a sense of optimism for the upcoming showdown.
Mitchell acknowledges that their recent wins haven't been their most impressive performances, but he emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidence and momentum as the season enters its critical phase. He believes that teams tend to improve as the season progresses, and the Saints must keep pushing for improvement week after week.
The scrum-half, who is set to make his 160th appearance for the club, has fully recovered from an injury sustained during the Six Nations with the England national team. He expresses satisfaction with his physical condition and credits his return to full fitness to the support of his teammates and the coaching staff, particularly Archie McParland, whose performance has been a positive influence on the squad.
The match at Mattioli Woods Welford Road is expected to be a high-stakes affair, with the Saints' supporters set to create a vibrant atmosphere in the Away Zone. Mitchell views this as an opportunity to enhance the matchday experience and build excitement, especially in a derby match. He highlights the competitive nature of the top positions in the league, where several teams are vying for the top spots, and the increasing physicality and intensity of the remaining games.
Despite the challenging atmosphere at Welford Road, Mitchell is optimistic that the Saints' experience in playing in big games will serve them well. He believes that the team's confidence and collective effort will be key to their success in this crucial phase of the season.
