Aviva Premiership: Northampton v Exeter

Exeter's Will Chudley in action against Ospreys

Will Chudley is relishing a passionate atmosphere at Franklin's Gardens as Exeter travel to Northampton on Friday.

Though Saints are without a win in their last three fixtures, Jim Mallinder's side will be out to prove a point after their shock loss to London Irish last weekend.

Exeter's Chudley says his side are not underestimating the threat of Saints, particularly in front of the Northampton faithful.

"Going up there is very much like Sandy Park," said the scrum-half. "It's always a great atmosphere, they have very passionate supporters and they have a great team.

"We know it's going to be tough going there, it always is, but the fact that lost last week will just add to things.

"Saints are a massive threat, like a lot of teams in the division, so we need to be on song if we are to get anything at their place."

Rob Baxter's side will be hoping to replicate their showing at the same venue last season. The Chiefs ran out 24-18 winners in what was their first victory at Franklin's Gardens.

Chudley partners Gareth Steenson for the clash, while Michele Campagnaro and Ian Whitten link up in the midifield.

Mitch Lees joins Geoff Parling in the second row, and in the front row Tomas Francis and Ben Moon pack down either side of skipper Jack Yeandle.

Northampton captain Dylan Hartley will be on the bench

Yeandle's opposite number is Mikey Haywood, as Saints' Dylan Hartley occupies the bench for the encounter.

Ben Foden captains the side from full-back, where he lines up alongside wingers George North and Tom Collins. George Pisi and Luther Burrell form the centre partnership, while No 9 Kahn Fotuali'i has JJ Hanrahan outside him at first receiver.

Courtney Lawes and Victor Matfield form a formidable second row pairing, and No 8 Sam Dickinson's match-up with Thomas Waldrom will go a long way to determining the outcome of the encounter.

Northampton Saints: 15 Ben Foden (c), 14 Tom Collins, 13 George Pisi, 12 Luther Burrell, 11 George North, 10 JJ Hanrahan, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 1 Alex Waller, 2 Mikey Haywood, 3 Paul Hill, 4 Courtney Lawes, 5 Victor Matfield, 6 Jamie Gibson, 7 Teimana Harrison, 8 Sam Dickinson.

Replacements: 16 Dylan Hartley, 17 Ethan Waller, 18 Gareth Denman, 19 Christian Day, 20 Michael Paterson, 21 Lee Dickson, 22 Stephen Myler, 23 Harry Mallinder.

Exeter Chiefs: 15 Phil Dollman, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Michele Campagnaro, 12 Ian Whitten, 11 Olly Woodburn, 10 Gareth Steenson, 9 Will Chudley, 1 Ben Moon, 2 Jack Yeandle (c), 3 Tomas Francis, 4 Mitch Lees, 5 Geoff Parling, 6 Don Armand, 7 Tom Johnson, 8 Thomas Waldrom.

Replacements: 16 Elvis Taione, 17 Carl Rimmer, 18 Moray Low, 19 Ollie Atkins, 20 Ben White, 21 Dave Lewis, 22 Will Hooley, 23 James Short.