Bath v London Wasps, 2pm
Just what Bath did not need after being run ragged at home by Leinster Lions in the Heineken Cup is a visit by the Guinness Premiership’s closest equivalent side. Bath make seven changes, with Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, the Samoa centre, making his debut. Mark van Gisbergen is left out of the Wasps 22 to rest his damaged ankle, so Josh Lewsey moves to full back after playing the past five matches at outside centre. Joe Worsley is back from his calf strain. A nervy one for England coaches.
Gloucester v London Irish, 3pm
Most will have an eye on Mike Tindall and James Simpson-Daniel, who continue for Gloucester what may become the England centre partnership. But this is a crucial match for Irish’s play-off ambitions. They make three changes to the team who beat Pau, all in the pack, but they travel to Kingsholm more in hope than expectation, having won there only once in 11 league visits.
Leicester v Sale Sharks, 3pm
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The game of the weekend and another one to try the nerves of England coaches, with a host of England possibles playing. However, Sale have left out Andrew Sheridan. Under normal league rules, this would be a hugely important match, but the play-offs mean that even a victory for Sale (who have won four of their past five Premiership matches against Leicester) would not be so significant. Watch out for the return from suspension of the new referee-friendly Lewis Moody, one of five changes to the Leicester team.
Newcastle Falcons v Saracens, 3pm
Saracens’ form continues to slide. They have lost seven of their past nine matches in all competitions and will need the same kind of upturn in form they managed last season to resurrect things. Something has to give because Newcastle are unbeaten in nine of their past ten games, but they have not beaten Saracens — who have won away only once in the Premiership this season — in their past six encounters. No Jonny Wilkinson yet for Newcastle, who make one change with Anthony Elliott, the wing, returning from a shoulder injury. Saracens have a rejuvenated front row, but no Cobus Visagie.
Northampton v Leeds Tykes, 3pm
A basement battle that could squeeze together the teams near the trapdoor if Leeds were to win in the Premiership at Franklin’s Gardens for the first time. Leeds should remember their 24-19 win in the quarter-finals of the Powergen Cup last season. They have hit some good form but have travelled poorly and Northampton, too, are in form and have strengthened their team, with Sean Lamont, Pual Tupai and David Quinlan, all internationals, returning.