Northampton v Leicester

Kick-off 12pm today

Venue Franklin's Gardens

Last year Northampton 11 Leicester 21

Last five matches North: WLWWL Leic: WLWWW

Today's high noon derby gives sixth-placed Northampton the chance to make ground on their bitterest rivals. The Saints have the newly arrived All Black wing Bruce Reihana on their bench while Johnny Howard takes Matt Dawson's scrum-half berth.

Bath v Sale

Kick-off 2.15pm tomorrow

Venue Recreation Ground

Last year Bath 20 Sale 17

Last five matches Bath: LDLLL Sale: DLLLW

Mike Catt's expected return to fly-half is a relief to Bath, whose eight-match run without a win is their worst in their Premiership history. Dan Lyle is forced to play in the second row and Matt Perry moves to the centre.

Bristol v Newcastle

Kick-off 3pm tomorrow

Venue Memorial Stadium

Last year Bristol 33 Newcastle 17

Last five matches Bristol: LLWLL New: LWLWL

Garath Archer leads Bristol in his 100th match for the club against his former side while the Premiership's bottom club welcomes back Agustin Pichot and Felipe Contepomi after their Argentinian venture.

L Irish v Gloucester

Kick-off 4.30pm tomorrow

Venue Madejski Stadium

TV Sky Sports 2, 2pm

Last year London Irish 19 Gloucester 15

Last five matches Irish: LLLLW Glos: WDWLW

The return of Pieter Rossouw, who replaces Peter Sackey on the wing, is a boost for Irish, who at last unearthed last season's form in their win at Newcastle.

Saracens v Harlequins

Kick-off 3pm tomorrow

Venue Vicarage Road

Last year Saracens 39 Harlequins 25

Last five matches Sara: LWLLL Quins: LWLWW

The promising Ben Russell fills Richard Hill's place in the Saracens back row while his opposite number will be Tony Diprose, back to his best form, who captains Quins against the club that discarded him 18 months ago.

Wasps v Leeds

Kick-off 3pm tomorrow

Venue Adams Park

Last year Wasps 64 Leeds 14

Last five matches Wasps: WWLWL Leeds: DLWWL

Rob Howley's international retirement gives the former Wales scrum-half the chance to lead Wasps, who make 13 changes from the side bogged down at Leicester. They include the return of Alex King at fly-half. Leeds move Braam van Straaten to fly-half to replace Scotland's Gordon Ross and Rob Rawlinson starts at hooker.

Ian Malin