Saints have never before finished higher than fourth in the league, but victory at Heywood Road will bring them level on points with Leicester at the top.

The match is also a warm-up for next week's cup clash between the two teams and Northampton scrum-half Matt Dawson is conscious that some still view the club as under-achievers.

"Sale stand in our way in both league and cup. We cannot afford to fail up there either now or when we go up next week for the knockout, otherwise the label might stick," he said.

"A lot has been made of the big imports we have acquired this season, and their skills have made a difference.

"But one extra factor is that newcomers like Pat Lam and Freddie Mendez take some of the decision-making obligations off the likes of me, Paul Grayson and Tim Rodber, our captain."

Rodber plays after missing the friendly against Cardiff with an injured finger, while Sale have scrum-half Richard Smith back in place of Kevin Ellis after recovering from a knee problem.

Gloucester v Bath

Jon Callard: Takes over goal-kicking duties for Bath

The biggest crowd of the day is expected at Kingsholm as Bath try to end a run of five consecutive defeats.

Gloucester have not fared any better of late, having lost their last three games, and manager John Fidler hopes playing at home will inspire his side.

"I am sure both teams are disregarding the recent results of the opposition. This is always a special match, whatever the league table says," he commented.

Bath have recalled player-coach Jon Callard, who was 33 on New Year's Day, for his first start of the season and hooker Mark Regan is back after recovering from concussion.

But perhaps the most significant change sees the return of skipper Richard Webster, just three weeks after suffering a fractured eye socket.

"We need someone on the pitch stating 'This is where we are going'. But the answer is within the club because we are all wondering where the next win is coming from," said Bath coach Andy Robinson.

Gloucester give scrum-half Scott Benton his first start for two months in place of Ian Sanders. Nathan Carter deputises for flanker Kingsley Jones, who will not play again this season.

London Irish v Newcastle Irish have won four of their last five games and make only one change to their line-up, with Robert Todd at centre in place of Nick Burrows (shoulder injury).

The Falcons need a win to improve their hopes of retaining the title and expect to welcome back Scottish international scrum-half Gary Armstrong.

He broke his thumb two weeks ago but may take over from Hall Charlton.

London Scottish v Harlequins

Exiles hooker Damian Cummins starts his first game since September, with Damian Rudham dropping to the bench.

Teenage stand-off Barry Irving is in line for his second appearance, with Springbok Jannie de Beer still troubled by a foot injury.

Flu victim John Schuster is the main concern for Quins and Frenchman Thierry Lacroix stands by to resume kicking duties.

Schuster, now 35, has kicked 73 goals from 88 attempts this season and coach John Gallagher sees him as a crucial member of the team.

"I knew he could kick goals because he landed a dozen in the four games last season when we were both at Blackheath," he said.