Having tried out some new options against Waterloo last week and rested a few players, Richard Hill names a strong Shoguns side in preparation for the visit of Bedford.

There are still some long term injury absentees - Richard Martin-Redman and Ollie Kohn are not being rushed back before they are ready.

Other members of the first team squad are being loaned to local teams to keep them match sharp.

Luke Nabaro returns on the left wing at the expense of Marko Stanojevic in the only chance to the backline with Rob Higgitt and Adam Billig getting another chance together in the centre.

Up front Alex Clarke and Saul Nelson return in the front row with the hooker boosted by the news that he has been voted as Player of the Month for November by the Supporters Club.

Ed Pearce is back to partner the durable Ollie Hodge. Jim Brownrigg returns to the back row, as does skipper Matt Salter.

"Owen Evans is back in training and could well be available next weekend. Mark Irish will probably play for Clifton this weekend."

"Finally, we've welcomed back Simon Hunt and James Mathias who have been playing Sevens in New York. They won so it was a worthwhile trip!"

Bedford will pose a huge test for the Shoguns. After an uncertain start, they have started to hit form and will arrive in Bristol full of confidence.

However, they will be missing some key players because of injury. Amongst the absentees will be Jon Phillips, Matt Stewart, Ali Hepher, Mike Staten and Ian Vass.

Included in their squad, however, is former Bristol favourite Spencer Brown who will be sure to get a warm welcome from the Memorial Stadium crowd.

Shoguns team:

Bernardo Stortoni, Sean Marsden, Adam Billig, Rob Higgitt, Luke Nabaro, Jason Strange, Ross Blake, Alex Clarke, Saul Nelson, Darren Crompton, Ed Pearce, Ollie Hodge, Matt Salter (capt), Joe El Abd, Jim Brownrigg

Replacements: Greg Nicholls, Sam Cox, Jon Pritchard, Dave Hilton, Neil Clark, Chris Morgan, Sean Fox

Bedford Blues squad:

Matt Allen (capt), Werner Bester, Ed Binham, Shaun Brady, Arthur Brenton, Spencer Brown, Karl Dickson, James Graham, Kieran Hallett, Matt Hampson, James Hinkins, Leigh Hinton, Chris Johnson, Ben Lewitt, Dom Malone, Craig Moir, Milan Mrdjenovich, Junior Paramore, Andy Phillips, Tom Ryder, Joe Ross, Nic Strauss, Soane Tongauiha, Matt Volland, Ben Whetstone