High-flying Harlequins will have the chance to go top of the Guinness Premiership - at least for three hours - when they take on Bath at the Rec on Saturday lunchtime.

Quins are currently second in the table - their highest position for four years - after winning three of their opening four fixtures but they must end a four-match losing run away from home if they are to leapfrog Gloucester into pole position.

Gloucester, meanwhile, will look to maintain the only unbeaten record in the Premiership when they take on former champions Sale at Kingsholm.

The Sharks, fresh from their 16-0 win over European champions Wasps, are boosted by the return of Scotland internationals Jason White, Rory Lamont and Scott Lawson as they go in search of their first away win for 12 months.

Sale director of rugby Philippe Saint Andre said: "I am pleased they have returned to us and this will give our squad a boost.

"We also have another seven players, including Luke McAlister, to return and competition for places within the team is going to be intense over the coming weeks."

Leeds Carnegie's giant Samoan prop Fosi Pala'amo will make his Premiership debut in tonight's basement battle with Worcester at Headingley after returning from compassionate leave in Australia.

Leeds are also boosted by the return of Argentinian fly-half Alberto Di Bernardo, who broke a bone in his hand in the opening match of the season against Gloucester.

"Like a lot of the players, Alberto joined us to get the chance to play at the highest level and to have it cut short in his first game was unfortunate," said Leeds director of rugby Stuart Lancaster.

"But he has worked hard on his skills and conditioning and I am sure he will be ready for the challenge."

Worcester's Wales international prop Chris Horsman will make his first Premiership start of the season after returning from World Cup duty.

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