Sale have named their strongest possible side for the Guinness Premiership visit of champions Leicester to Edgeley Park on Sunday.

Sale v Leicester (Edgeley Park) 14:45

Saints director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre has included all of his leading internationals in his XV, with the exception of England wing Mark Cueto who is on the bench.

Cueto (pictured) is nursing a calf injury and Chris Mayor is on standby in case he fails a late fitness test.

A victory for the Sharks could see them move into the top half of the table but Saint-Andre appreciates the size of the task that lies ahead for his side.

"This is a big game for us, in front of a full house at Edgeley Park," said the Frenchman.

"We have been playing well over the past few weeks but Leicester is always a huge game for us and our biggest test so far this season. The players have prepared well all week and are ready for 2-45 on Sunday."

The Tigers have recalled centre Aaron Mauger and prop Julian White into the starting XV as they look to close the gap on leaders Gloucester.

Tom Croft joins Luke Abraham in the back row, with captain Martin Corry moving to number eight.

London Irish v Worcester (Madejski Stadium) 15:00

Argentinean Gonzalo Tiesi returns to the Exiles starting XV for the visit of basement side Worcester.

Tiesi is named at centre alongside Seilala Mapusua, with Delon Armitage moving to full-back.

Also in director of rugby Brian Smith's line-up is wing Topsy Ojo. The only other change is in the back row where Steffon Armitage comes in for Kieran Roche, out with an eye injury.

Declan Danaher switches from open to blindside flanker to accommodate the change.

Like their opponents on Sunday, the Exiles are very much in need of a third campaign victory to keep them clear of the bottom of the Premiership.

Winless Worcester are looking to New Zealand pair Rico Gear and Sam Tuitupou to help them off the bottom on their Premiership debuts.

Gear starts on the wing while Tuitupou forms a centre pairing with Dale Rasmussen as Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock keeps faith with the side that crushed GRAN Parma in the European Challenge Cup last week.

"Sam and Rico have made their debuts and we go into this crucial period of fixtures near full strength with a real determination and focus to turn the corner," Ruddock said.

"We have been through a testing period but now we want to come out the other side and register that first league win. It is easy to talk about potential, now we have to deliver on the field."

Newcastle v Gloucester (Kingston Park) 15:00

England back Toby Flood returns to the Falcons starting XV for the clash with Premiership leaders Gloucester.

Flood partners skipper Jamie Noon in the midfield, with Mathew Tait moving to full-back to make way.

Jonny Wilkinson starts at fly-half and forms a half-back pairing with Lee Dickson.

Up front there is just one change, with loosehead prop Jon Golding replacing Joe McDonnell in a front row that also includes Carl Hayman.

Gloucester are without their outstanding Fijian flanker Akapusi Qera for the long trip north to Kingston Park.

Qera is ruled out with a wrist injury and is replaced by Luke Narraway in the back row alongside Alasdair Strokosch and Gareth Delve.

Wales international Gareth Cooper gets his second Premiership start at scrum-half ahead of Rory Lawson, while league convert Lesley Vainikolo and James Simpson-Daniel are on the wings.

Italy international Marco Bortolami returns to the second row as captain in place of Peter Buxton, who drops to the bench.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport