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Second-placed Exeter make seven changes as they host third-placed Harlequins at Sandy Park on Saturday: 15:00
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Quins have made eight changes to the starting XV that overcame Cardiff Blues in the Challenge Cup last Thursday night
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Mike Brown makes his 250th appearance for the visitors
Second top Exeter Chiefs host third-placed Harlequins in the Aviva Premiership at Sandy Park on Saturday as both sides look to close the gap on league leaders Saracens.
The Chiefs have made seven changes from the European clash with Bordeaux, with recalls up front for Mitch Lees, Dave Ewers, Don Armand and Thomas Waldrom.
The changes among the backs see Gareth Steenson return at fly-half, James Short chosen on the left wing while Ian Whitten is included from the start to form a new midfield partnership alongside Henry Slade.
Both sides have spent the past two weekends playing in Europe, with Chiefs losing at Scarlets and defeating Bordeaux-Begles in the Champions Cup at home last time out.
Mike Brown makes his 250th appearance for Harlequins, who make eight changes to the side that won against Cardiff Blues in the Challenge Cup last Thursday.
Other changes see Captain Danny Care and Nick Evans return while James Horwill and Chris Robshaw also come into the forward pack.
Check out RUCK’s Aviva Premiership predictions here.
KEY STATS
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Exeter have not lost at Sandy Park since Gloucester were the visitors in Aviva Premriship Rugby on January 3rd
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Harlequins are the only side in the Aviva Premiership yet to score a try from first phase possession this season
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Chiefs’ only loss in their last five matches in all tournaments was 13-25 to Ospreys in Swansea in the first round of the European Champions Cup
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Exeter Chiefs: Gareth Steenson
The fly-half has been restored to the starting line-up after missing the Chiefs victory against Bordeaux last weekend. In what is set to be a tight game the number 10 must come out on top of his individual battle to ensure Exeter come out on top.
Harlequins: Mike Brown
Brown will be making his 250th appearance for Harlequins in what is an impressive feat, will be looking to show what he is capable of. His ball handling skills under the high ball are second to none, and if he can get up to full speed, he is capable of breaking through tackles and gaps to put crucial points on the board for his side.
Exeter Chiefs: 15 Phil Dollman, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Ian Whitten, 11 James Short, 10 Gareth Steenson, 9 Will Chudley, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Don Armand, 6 Dave Ewers, 5 Damian Welch, 4 Mitch Lees, 3 Moray Low, 2 Jack Yeandle (c), 1 Ben Moon.
Replacements: 16 Elvis Taione, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Alex Brown, 19 Geoff Parling, 20 Tom Johnson, 21 Dave Lewis, 22 Sam Hill, 23 Olly Woodburn.
Harlequins: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Charlie Walker, 13 George Lowe, 12 Harry Sloan, 11 Tim Visser, 10 Nick Evans, 9 Danny Care (c), 8 Nick Easter, 7 Dave Ward, 6 Chris Robshaw, 5 Sam Twomey, 4 James Horwill, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Rob Buchanan, 1 Joe Marler.
Replacements: 16 Joe Gray, 17 Mark Lambert, 18 Will Collier, 19 Charlie Matthews, 20 Kieran Treadwell, 21 Tito Tebaldi, 22 Tim Swiel, 23 Matt Hopper.
Date: Saturday 28 November
Venue: Sandy Park
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Referee: Matthew Carley
Assistant referees: Ros Campbell & Roger Baileff
TMO: Keith Lewis