Ryan's men could regain top spot in the Premiership by toppling a Saracens side that will arrive in the west country fresh from beating Christmas league leaders London Irish.

The visitors might be without their rested captain Steve Borthwick and unavailable front-row powerhouse Cencus Johnston, but Ryan is braced for a fierce encounter.

He said: "Saracens are capable of generating some big results, as they showed against London Irish last weekend.

"They are an emerging and progressive side, and they will be coming here with a bit of confidence.

"They are no doubt heading in the right direction and have a good level of experience in key areas."

Gloucester's bonus-point win at Bristol last time out proved an excellent response to the 42-12 drubbing against Irish seven days earlier.

And Ryan added: "We were pleased with the result at Bristol.

"It was a bit cagey when we sat at 10-3 ahead, but we were hugely enthusiastic to chase four tries and were massively energised. Momentum was the key then, and it will be tomorrow.

"We are still learning from the Irish game and the feeling that gave us, and we need to see another reaction tomorrow."