If Bristol, who have a bye week in this round of fixtures, earn two points from their remaining three games they will secure a semi-final.
Loughborough, who play Gloucester on Sunday, need bonus-point wins in all of their last four games and for Bristol to not pick up a point.
Loughborough can also win three games with bonus points and win one without and then the spot would be decided on point difference if Bristol do not add to their point tally.