The dominators of domestic trophies since Leagues began 10 seasons ago stand first and second, level on points, after looking like second-class citizens when recently promoted Newcastle and Saracens hit the jackpot last spring.

Both Leicester and Bath have lost twice in nine matches, but only one of Bath's seven wins has been away.

Guscott: Looking forward to the duel

Jerry Guscott relishes the prospect of Saturday, saying: "During all my time at Bath, the biggest regular challenge has been going to Welford Road and it's great that the game is again hugely important."

Bath's England star Mike Catt added: "Our season has not even started yet. There was a deep need to win at home, of course. But the only way this League is going to be won is by bringing back two points from at least half our trips as we spend most of the rest of the season trailing round the country.

"That's the next target. Six or seven successful journeys and unbeaten at home will do."

"But we dropped a possible two points at London Scottish last week because we could not break their defence and Leicester's defence is bound to be something special."

Martin Johnson: "League title still open"

Leicester captain Martin Johnson looked back on the October defeats and said: "Our recent form has varied from the ragged to the satisfactory. Whoever loses tomorrow (Saturday) will have dropped only three games - the same as Saracens, and they still have League ambitions."

Leicester would go level on League wins against their rivals if they come out on top, having won seven to Bath's eight, but Bath inevitably have the best record of any visitor to Welford Road with three wins.

While most clubs will lose their stars to Tests in the next two weeks - the first time internationals have seriously clashed with competitive rugby - London Irish introduce two new half-backs, Springbok Kevin Putt and New Zealand's Steve Bachop.

Irish are not living up to their publicity with four defeats last month and coach Dick Best said ahead of the visit of lowly Sale: "These, and other talented players we are bringing in, will enhance the skills of this new team.

"We have existed on the bare minimum of 26 players. Now we have 32 and I can't praise the efforts of the young squad that have slogged it out too highly.

We have built one team and must now build another with the newcomers."

Northampton and Harlequins have shot up the table with five wins in five weeks and Northampton will set a record of consecutive League wins if they defeat Wasps.

Harlequins host champions Newcastle, whose recent form is almost as good with four wins in five.