Northampton v Newcastle

Kick-off 2pm today

Venue Franklin's Gardens

TV Sky Sports 2, 1.30pm

Last year Northampton 24 Newcastle 19

Last five matches North: WLWWL Newc: WWLLW

Newcastle lost a pulsating Powergen Cup semi-final here last spring and, although the Falcons got their season off to a winning start against Wasps, they are not the same side on their travels. The Saints, a smart new stand built in the summer, should lay the foundations for the season with a first victory. The Australian lock Mark Connors will bolster their multi-national pack with his debut performance.

Leeds v London Irish

Kick-off 2.30pm tomorrow

Venue Headingley

Last year Leeds 24 London Irish 29

Last five matches Leeds: LLLLW Lon Irish: LLLLL

The least surprising news of the day is that Phil Davies, following the humbling of Leicester, names an unchanged squad with Braam van Straaten recovering from a head injury. Irish, in contrast, are in some disarray with six changes from the side beaten in the depths of injury-time by Bath. Declan Danaher replaces the injured No8 Chris Sheasby and James Cockle takes over in the back row from Paul Gustard. Justin Bishop replaces Rob Hoadley in the Exiles' backline.

Saracens v Bath

Kick-off 3pm tomorrow

Venue Vicarage Road

Last year Saracens 33 Bath 11

Last five matches Saracens: LLLLW Bath: WLLLW

The return of Mike Catt, who may partner Mike Tindall in the centre, is a major boost to Bath, who finished last season in doleful form but showed no little spirit to pip London Irish last Sunday. Saracens may have trounced Bristol but their new coach Wayne Shelford was less than impressed with their defence. He will be without Tony Roques with a gashed leg but Ben Russell is a more than able deputy at No8. Nicky Little and Abdel Benazzi move to the Saracens bench.

Wasps v Bristol

Kick-off 3pm tomorrow

Venue Adams Park

Last year Wasps 34 Bristol 16

Last five matches Wasps: WWWLL Bristol: WWWLL

If Wasps were hoping for a relaxed week as they prepare to move to their new home in Wycombe they have been disappointed. After defeat at Newcastle they have been struck down by a virus which forced Warren Gatland to cancel Thursday's training session. Bristol have ills of their own after an abject defeat by Saracens but the full return of Felipe Contepomi should help the Shoguns find a higher gear.

Ian Malin

Gloucester v Sale

Kick-off 3pm today

Venue Kingsholm

Last year Gloucester 42 Sale 14

Last five league matches Glo: WWWWW Sale: WWWWW

Gloucester have been most pundits' bet to challenge Leicester hegemony of the Premiership. Their start at Harlequins suggests they can and Patrice Collazo strengthens their front row after missing the game at the Stoop. The Sharks' coach Jim Mallinder has retained the 22 players who beat Northampton and, with Iain Fullarton injured, Chris Jones and Dean Schofield are expected to continue their second-row partnership.

Leicester v Harlequins

Kick-off 3pm today

Venue Welford Road

Last year Leicester 23 Harlequins 18

Last five matches Leicester: WLWLL Quins: WLDWL

Facing Leicester, smarting from their defeat at Leeds but unbeaten at home for the best part of five years, is a daunting task for Quins, who are without the key forwards Keith Wood and Alex Codling. Ace Tiatia replaces Wood at hooker and the 22-year-old Karl Rudzki is set to replace Codling but the smart money will be on his opposite number Martin Johnson, having read his rugby obituaries this week, rubbing Quins' noses in it.