Research has shown that Bristol have more chance of winning tonight than Sale. The home side have increased levels of testosterone making them more aggressive in the defence of their territory. Added to this the referee, without being aware of it, may allow the intense psychological pressure from the home fans to sway his decisions.

Surging testosterone could be a major explanation for the home advantage in sport according to recent research by sports psychologist Sandy Wolfson. A study in professional football found all members of the squad had much higher levels of the hormone before a home game than before an away match.

The players’ testosterone levels were at the male average before the training and away matches. But they were 40 per cent higher just before the match against the moderate rival and 67 per cent higher before a bitter rival match.

We know that testosterone is linked to dominance and aggression in animals. Animals are often territorial and it was interesting that in the study goalkeepers, those involved most in defending a territory, had the biggest testosterone surges.

Alan Nevill of Wolverhampton University has shown another factor that may work to the home team’s advantage. He showed video footage of forty-seven tackles from a Premier League Football match to a group of qualified referees and asked them to judge as to whether it was a foul or not.

The forty referees were split into 2 groups, 1 group watched silent footage and the other heard the crowds response. Neither group saw the match referee’s decision. The referees that heard the crowd judged 15 per cent fewer of the home players’ tackles as illegal.

Interestingly this was in line with the original match official. Other factors are likely to be involved in the home advantage including crowd support, less travel and familiarity with the pitch.

The injured players at the moment include David Hill (neck), Mark Irish (shoulder), David Blaney (ankle) and James Phillips (pec). They are all working their way back to fitness for next season and are aiming to come back in great shape for the pre-season training.

Enjoy the game and make as much noise as you can today because studies show it does make a difference!

Rich Mack