London Irish v Leicester
Rob Hoadley's foot injury costs him a place in the top of the table battle at the Madejski Stadium, and England Sevens man Geoff Appleford takes over. Once again, coach Brendan Venter rotates his entire front-row, with Naka Drotske, Mike Worsley and Simon Halford starting.
Veteran prop Darren Garforth is injured, so Ricky Nebbett makes a rare start for the leaders.
After the problems of recent weeks, Dean Richards has a relatively powerful squad to choose from. Josh Kronfeld (ribs), Louis Deacon (ankle) and Martin Corry (hamstring) are missing but a host of internationals return, including England skipper Martin Johnson.
Gloucester v Leeds
Gloucester have captain Phil Vickery back from international duty but are without Argentina wing Diego Albanese, who has joined up with the Pumas for their Test against the All Blacks.
Tykes director of rugby Phil Davies is hoping the return of former All Black Steve Bachop will kickstart their campaign following crushing defeats by Wasps and Sale. Bachop returns to the Tykes line-up at the expense of Dan Parks after recovering from an Achilles injury, while Leeds also welcome back captain Carl Hogg and tight-head prop Gavin Kerr.
Harlequins v Sale
Quins welcome back England trio Jason Leonard, Will Greenwood and Dan Luger. Coach John Kingston delays naming his side until Saturday morning but there will definitely be a place in the 22 for Jamie Williams for the first time.
Third-placed Sale are boosted by the return of full-back Jason Robinson from England duty. While back-row Alex Sanderson, who broke his knuckle against Leeds, misses out on a chance to face his brother and former team-mate Pat.
Bristol v Saracens
With Garath Archer suspended, Andrew Sheridan wins a second-row berth for the home side. Lee Best returns in place of Matt Carrington at full-back. First-choice half-back pair Agustin Pichot and Felipe Contepomi are required for Argentina's clash with the All Blacks.
Saracens also welcome back absent friends in Kyran Bracken, Richard Hill and Scott Murray, who returned to top form against New Zealand last weekend. Veteran centre Tim Horan returns to the squad with Saracens desperate for a win to halt their slide down the table in recent weeks.
Newcastle v Northampton
Dave Walder has recovered from a neck injury and with Jonny Wilkinson rested following his international exertions, takes on the Falcons fly-half role. Scotland lock Stuart Grimes skippers a side showing nine changes from the team which lost at Bath last weekend.
Budge Pountney and Matt Dawson both face late fitness tests for the struggling Saints, who hope to have the assistance of new coach Wayne Smith who has been released by the New Zealand authorities. Scotland trio Tom Smith, John Leslie and Mattie Stewart return, along with England winger Ben Cohen, who should start given Luca Martin's absence with damaged ribs.
Wasps v Bath
England international Josh Lewsey makes a quicker than expected re-appearance following his broken cheekbone and takes over from Matt Leek at full-back for the Premiership's basement outfit. England number eight Joe Worsley returns but in the blindside flanker role as Mark Lock keeps Worsley's Test position. Veteran dual-code international Martin Offiah again starts on the bench.
Zurich player of the month Mike Catt could skipper the visitors as he returns to the fold following England duties. Catt won the award despite playing only one game for his club during the past month. Club captain Dan Lyle misses out as he will appear for the United States against the Springboks.