Tom Lawday believes Harlequins and Northampton Saints will rack up a lot of points and produce a New Year’s Day thriller in the Gallagher Premiership. 

Tabai Matson's side will look to ring in the new year with victory at cinch Stadium at Franklin Gardens following a disappointing 15-12 defeat at home to Bristol Bears last week.

They could have jumped to second in the table and Matson has made changes, with Lawday recalled at the back of the scrum to replace Will Evans, joining Archie White and captain Alex Dombrandt in the back row. 

And the openside flanker commented on the attacking similarities between both sides as they get ready to clash in Northampton.   

He said: "It's two teams who like to throw the ball around, two teams that like to play attacking rugby. 

"Hopefully the sun comes out and we can put on a bit of a show". 

Following Joe Marler's recent disciplinary for sledging, there is a new-look front row for the visitors, with props Fin Baxter and Simon Kerrod joining hooker Jack Walker. 

Dino Lamb and Lewis Gjaltema return to the match day squad as Danny Care, who extended his contract at the club last week, is named amongst the replacements.   

Luke Wallace is looking to make his first Gallagher Premiership appearance of the season from the bench.

Saints’ last league win came against Exeter Chiefs at the start of November and Harlequins beat them 35-29 in early October, running in five tries and holding on to the lead despite a late fightback from the visitors. 

Harlequins have a strong record against the Saints, with five wins from their last six league meetings.

But their last trip to Franklin’s Gardens ended in a 32-31 defeat.