Gloucester v Bath
Kick-off 3pm today
Venue Kingsholm
Last year Gloucester 21 Bath 22
Last five matches Glo: LWLLW Bath: LLLWL
These two old rivals desperately want to get last weekend out of their systems. If Gloucester's narrow Shield semi-final defeat by Sale was disappointing, Bath's abject surrender at Newcastle was no surprise to anyone who has watched the disintegration of a once great club. Henry Paul, once at Bath, will start at full-back for Gloucester , and Bath may have a callow centre partnership in Sam Cox and Spencer Davey.
Wasps v Northampton
Kick-off 3pm today
Venue Loftus Road
Last year Wasps 53 Northampton 17
Last five matches Wasps: LWWWW North: LWWWW
Wasps may be searching for a new home but the club bottom last autumn now have their feet firmly under the Premiership table. Paul Volley is in the back row after a suspension, alongside Lawrence Dallaglio and Joe Worsley, who is to sign a new two-year contract. Northampton, who got their cup final defeat out of their system last weekend, include Matt Dawson and Steve Thompson in their rotating and competitive squad.
Bristol v Leicester
Kick-off 3pm tomorrow
Venue Memorial Stadium
Last year Bristol 24 Leicester 20
Last five matches Bris: LLWLL Leic: WWLWW
On paper Bristol have little chance of repeating last season's win here. But if Tigers teams are ever less than committed they may be tomorrow, the title won and bruises yet to heal from last Sunday's nerve-shredding Heineken Cup win. Jason Little returns after injury for a head-to-head with his fellow Australian Rod Kafer. Leicester may rest Martin Johnson, Neil Back, Austin Healey and last week's hero Tim Stimpson.
London Irish v Sale
Kick-off 3pm tomorrow
Venue Madejski Stadium
TV 2.30pm, Sky Sports 2
Last year London Irish 28 Sale 13
Last five matches Irish: WWWWD Sale: LWLWW
These two dark horses have turned thoroughbreds this season. Third meets fourth in a game that Sale, still trying to nail down a Heineken Cup place, will be anxious to win. Irish rarely lose in Reading but are forced into changes, Darren Edwards replacing Hentie Martens at scrum-half and Paul Gustard in for the flanker Eddie Halvey. It was 19-19 when the teams met in Cheshire earlier this season and this promises to be just as close.
Newcastle v Saracens
Kick-off 2.30pm tomorrow
Venue Kingston Park
Last year Newcastle 32 Saracens 27
Last five matches New: LLWLW Sara: WLLLL
For Saracens the comeback of Kyran Bracken from three weeks off after concussion may be complemented by Thomas Castaignède's first start in 18 months. They badly need the Frenchman's inspiration after a bleak second half to their season and they still require a win to blot out the spectre of relegation. The Falcons have Pat Lam back in their pack and should cement their Heineken Cup place.
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