The sixth-placed Falcons cannot afford a surprise result against the league's bottom club as they try to hang on to their title.

Coach Steve Bates could make a comeback at the age of 35 with regular scrum-half Gary Armstrong ruled out with a broken thumb and deputy Allen Chilten suffering from two fractured fingers.

Steve Bates: A wasps stalwart during his playing career

"We have beaten Bath, Wasps, Saracens and Northampton up here - not a bad haul," said Bates.

"Our holiday programme gives us the chance to bang in more wins because all four opponents are below us in the table."

He added: "If we are good enough, we should bank some points. We are quietly going round each other saying ' This league is open and we are not out of the hunt'. In some ways, we are more threatening than last year."

West player-coach Mike Brewer may opt for an unchanged line-up, injuries permitting.

Harlequins v Sale

Quins player-coach Zinzan Brooke has been training this week after a bout of flu.

He is likely to come in at blindside flanker for Adam Leach, but rugby director John Gallagher has promised only limited changes.

Sale boss John Mitchell is concerned about his side's defensive frailty, which saw them concede five tries against Newcastle.

Irish international Dion O'Cuinneagain returns at number 8 after recovering from illness but England wings David Rees and Tom Beim are still missing.

Saracens v London Scottish

Sarries scored an excellent win at Bath last weekend, but await fitness reports on Argentine prop Roberto Grau (abdominal strain) and centre Jeremy Thomson (shoulder).

"Beating Bath was a huge landmark but we must not relax against London Scottish, who themselves overcame Bath," said rugby director Mark Evans.

The visitors have failed to impress of late and will look to South African fly-half Jannie De Beer for inspiration at Vicarage Road.

Wasps v Gloucester

Three successive league wins have lifted Wasps into fourth place and morale was further boosted with a 28-24 victory over Cardiff in their Anglo-Welsh friendly.

England captain Lawrence Dallaglio is likely to return to the side along with Kenny Logan, Trevor Leota and Rob Henderson.

Gloucester boss Richard Hill is contemplating changes with only 41 points scored in their last four away games.

"We were dreadful at Harlequins and hammared at Sale. We needv a massive lift in form to compete in this one," said Hill.