"Derby Day Preview" - Premiership Rugby Set for FIVE Derby Matches This Weekend

We then resume our regular schedule with a mid-afternoon and late Saturday kick-offs, before a single Sunday match keeps the excitement rolling through the whole weekend. Regional pride is on the line for each of the five match-ups, and here is our run through of all the action.

Somerset Derby - Bath Rugby vs Bristol Bears (19:45 KO, The Recreation Ground)

The first of two clashing match-ups under the now fabled 'Friday night lights', Bath host Bristol Bears for a Somerset derby at the Rec. Bath fans can't get enough of their regional rivalries, after the men in blue, black and white ran out a 45-27 win over Gloucester in last weekend's Wests Country clash. A dramatic encounter soon swayed in the favour of the visitors, as fly-half Finn Russell pulled the strings for Bath.

The Scotland talisman had a textbook outing from the tee, as he slotted five conversions and a penalty as Bath hit top gear. The Somerset side were at full capacity with the international reinforcements bolstering the squad, as England centre Ollie Lawrence powered his way over for two tries. Powerhouse winger Will Muir had a starring run out out wide, and loose-head Beno Obano dominated the up-front battle.

Bristol come into the derby looking for a return to winning form, as the Bears have lost their past three matches in a row. Defeats to Harlequins, Exeter and Sale have issued Bristol with a backwards step, after they started their Premiership campaign with back-to-back wins. Ellis Genge returns to club duties after coming back from the Rugby World Cup, with lock Ed Holmes set to make his 100th Bristol appearence. James Dun comes into the back row, and Pier's O'Conor starts on the wing, with Fitz Harding and Noah Heward ruled out with injuries.

Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “We know what this fixture means to the people of Bristol, so we’re excited to represent them in what is always an entertaining West Country derby.

“Bath have had a great start to the season, and we know the challenge we will face on Friday night at The Rec. Our success there in recent seasons has been built on mindset and teamwork which is what we need to bring.”

15. Matt Gallagher 14. Joe Cokanasiga, 13. Ollie Lawrence, 12. Cameron Redpath, 11. Will Muir, 10. Finn Russell 9. Ben Spencer ©,1. Beno Obano, 2. Tom Dunn, 3. Will Stuart, 4. Fergus Lee-Warner, 5. Charlie Ewels, 6. Miles Reid, 7. Sam Underhill, 8. Jaco Coetzee

Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Johannes Jonker, 19 GJ van Velze, 20 Alfie Barbeary, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Orlando Bailey, 23 Max Ojomoh

15. Rich Lane 14. Piers O'Conor, 13. Virimi Vakatawa 12. Benhard JV Rensburg 11. Gabriel Ibitoye 10. Callum Sheedy 9. Harry Randall (C) 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Gabriel Oghre, 3. Max Lahiff, 4. Ed Holmes, 5. Joe Batley, 6. James Dun, 7. Harry Thacker, 8. Magnus Bradbury,

16. Will Capon, 17. Jake Woolmore, 18. Kyle Sinckler, 19. Josh Caulfield, 20. Dan Thomas, 21. Kieran Marmion, 22. James Williams, 23. Max Malins

Sale hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie is set to make his home debut for the club, after his replacement appearence away to Bristol in last weekend's 27-13 victory. Exciting fullback prospect Joe Carpenter comes back into the fray, with Rob du Preez handing George Ford a well earned rest at fly-half. 19-year-old prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour is set for his Premiership rugby debut, after impressing the coaching staff through the England U18s set-up and in the London Irish Academy.

Newcastle Falcons are also set to field a Premiership debutant, in former Coventry and Leeds Tykes fullback Louis Brown. The 25-year-old has already made two Falcons appearances in the Premiership Rugby Cup, yet will get his first taste of league action tomorrow evening at Kingston Park. Also, scrum-half James Elliott is primed and ready for his Newcastle debut, after his recent arrival following the collapse of Jersey Reds.

Newcastle Falcons Head Coach Alex Codling has made a staggering 13 changes from last Sunday's defeat to Saracens, having been given just a five-day turnaround for tomorrow's match. On the Falcons bench, there could be Premiership debuts for back-row John Kelly, fly-half Louie Johnson and academy fullback Oliver Spencer. Hooker Charlie Maddison is also set to make his comeback from a long-term injury.

The Falcons had a match to forget last time out, as they were soundly beaten by Saracens at Kingston Park. Yet to get off the mark with their first win of the season, Newcastle are currently seated at the bottom of the Premiership table, as they take on last season's Premiership runners-up.

15. Ben Redshaw, 14. Louis Brown, 13. Zach Kerr, 12. Cameron Hutchison, 11. Iwan Stephens, 10. Josh Thomas, 9. James Elliott; 1. Phil Brantingham, 2. Bryan Byrne, 3. Murray McCallum, 4. Tim Cardall, 5. Kiran McDonald, 6. John Hawkins, 7. Guy Pepper, 8. Callum Chick (C).

Replacements: 16 Charlie Maddison, 17 Adam Brocklebank, 18 Mark Tampin, 19 John Kelly, 20 Josh Bainbridge, 21 Josh Barton, 22 Louie Johnson, 23 Oliver Spencer.

15. Joe Carpenter, 14. Tom Roebuck, 13. Sam James, 12. Sam Bedlow, 11. Arron Reed, 10. Rob du Preez, 9. Gus Warr; 1. Bevan Rodd, 2. Agustin Creevy, 3. James Harper, 4. Cobus Wiese, 5. Jonny Hill, 6. Ernst van Rhyn, 7. Ben Curry (C), 8. Dan du Preez.

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17. Ross Harrison, 18. Asher Opoku-Fordjour 19. Ben Bamber, 20. Sam Dugdale, 21. Nye Thomas, 22. Tom Curtis, 23. Alex Wills.

Considered to be the most intense rivalry in the Premiership, the East Midlands derby between Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints takes centre stage in the Saturday afternoon slot. The Tigers have had an underwhelming start to their Premiership campaign, and took their fourth loss in five games last time out. The narrow defeat to Harlequins has ushered in a sense of frustration at Leicester, who will enjoy the cathartic release of a physical battle with their old rivals.

Northampton enter the derby off the back of three consecutive Premiership wins, seeing them topple Newcastle, Bath and Exeter in recent weeks. The Saints are certainly 'Marching In', and eye up this derby as an opportunity to enhance their league standings, and secure the local bragging rights to boot. Fly half Fin Smith continues to make a name for himself amongst England's top halfbacks, and had a stellar performance in last weekend's win over the Chiefs.

Smith astutely ran his back-line, and sent 14 points through the posts to secure the win. Speaking to Northampton Saints ahead of his first East Midlands derby, Smith said; “I can’t wait, I’ve never played in a Saints versus Tigers derby. It’s a first experience for me, from chatting to my teammates, it’s something you can’t really appreciate unless you’re there. It’s such a big game, there’s so much tension and there’s so much on the line. We’re chomping at the bit."

Leicester Tigers stalwart scrum-half Ben Youngs will make history on Saturday, as adds another accolade to an incredible career. Already England's all-time most capped men's player, Youngs will become the most-capped player in the history of the East Midlands derby, as he runs out for his 28th appearence against Northampton Saints. Elsewhere in the Tigers squad, England hopefuls Guy Porter (outside centre) and Ollie Hassell-Collins (left wing) return to the starting line-up.

There are some noteable appearences on the Saints replacements bench, with 18-year-old Henry Pollock looking to make his Premiership debut. Also, centre Rory Hutchinson is bringing up the century mark, as he makes his 100th Premiership appearence.

15. Freddie Steward 14. Josh Bassett 13. Guy Porte 12. Solomone Kat 11. Ollie Hassell-Collins 10. Handré Pollard 9. Ben Youngs 1. James Cronin 2. Charlie Clare 3. Joe Heyes 4. Cameron Henderson 5 Ollie Chessum 6 Hanro Liebenberg (c) 7 Tommy Reffell 8 Jasper Wiese

16. Archie Vanes 17. Francois van Wyk 18. Dan Cole 19. Sam Carter 20. Matt Rogerson 21. Tom Whiteley 22. Jamie Shillcock 23. Matt Scott

15. George Furbank 14. George Hendy 13. Tommy Freeman 12. Fraser Dingwall 11. James Ramm 10. Fin Smith 9. Alex Mitchell 1. Alex Waller 2. Curtis Langdon 3. Trevor Davison 4. Alex Moon 5. Chunya Munga 6. Alex Coles 7. Tom Pearson 8. Lewis Ludlam (c)

16. Sam Matavesi 17. Ethan Waller 18 Elliot Millar Mills 19. Tom Lockett 20. Henry Pollock 21. Tom James 22 Rory Hutchinson 23. Ollie Sleightholme

Saturday's late kick-off is the London derby between Harlequins and Saracens. Despite not holding the 'Show Down' moniker of their meetings at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, this match-up between the reigning Premiership Champions and the current league leaders has all the makings of an instant classic. The head-line match-up sees Marcus Smith go tee-to-tee with Owen Farrell, as the two England fly-halves look to lead their London club's to victory.

Harlequins have a significant milestone coming up in the front row, as Joe Marler runs out for his 200th Premiership appearence. Amongst the England internationals, Rugby World Cup winner Andre Esterhuizen adds some South African strength into the Quins midfield. Harlequins Director of Rugby Billy Millard said: "We're excited for Saturday. It's a great challenge for our squad. It's always good to get back to The Stoop in front of our supporters and we're under no illusions what is required to get the result."

Saracens have brought a stacked squad down across the nation's capital, with numerous international talents making the trip from North to West London. Whilst Harlequins come into the match on a four match winning streak, Saracens are looking to curtail the form, and make it four in a row for themselves. England World Cup stars Farrell, Maro Itoje, Jamie George, Billy Vunipola, Elliot Daly, Theo Dan and Ben Earl have all been named in the match-day 23.

Saracens openside flanker Andy Christie said; “It’s always a brilliant game against Quins, and it’s a really big week for us. There’s a bit more edge to these fixtures so we know the boys will properly rip in on Saturday night. They have had a good start to the season and it will be a tough test but we can’t wait to get out there and get stuck in.”

15. Nick David 14. Tyrone Green 13. Oscar Beard 12. Andre Esterhuizen 11. Louis Lynagh 10. Marcus Smith 9. Will Porter 1. Joe Marler 2. Jack Walker 3. Will Collier 4. Joe Launchbury 5. George Hammond 6. Dino Lamb 7. Will Evans 8. Alex Dombrandt (Captain)

16. Sam Riley 17. Fin Baxter 18. Dillon Lewis 19. Chandler Cunningham-South 20. James Chisholm 21. Danny Care 22. Jarrod Evans 23. Will Joseph

15. Alex Goode 14. Alex Lewington 13. Alex Lozowski 12. Nick Tompkins 11. Elliot Daly 10. Owen Farrell (c) 9. Ivan Van Zyl 1. Mako Vunipola 2. Jamie George 3. Marco Riccioni 4. Maro Itoje 5. Hugh Tizard 6. Juan Martin Gonzalez 7. Andy Christie 8. Billy Vunipola

16. Theo Dan 17. Eroni Mawi 18 Alec Clarey. 19. Tom Willis 20. Ben Earl 21. Aled Davies 22. Olly Hartley 23. Tom Parton

Closing out this weekend of derby matches, Exeter Chiefs host Gloucester Rugby for an enticing battle at Sandy Park. After starting their season with back-to-back matches, Gloucester have since lost three games on the bounce and have slipped down the league table to eighth. Exeter have had a better start than their South West rivals, with three wins and two losses, however, the Chiefs are also searching for a return to form.

Two of these Chiefs victories have been impressive landslide triumphs, against last season's Premiership finalists. Exeter ran out a 43-0 win over Sale Sharks a fortnight ago, and also racked up a 65-10 thrashing of an internationally weakened Saracens side, with the latter match stands as the heaviest Premiership defeat in Sarries history. Looking at the line-up, and Henry Slade hopes to continue his return to hot form, as he battles against new-coming England hopeful, in Gloucester's Seb Atkinson.

Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter has made five changes to his side, including an new-look front row of Scott Sio, Jack Yeandle and Ehren Painter. Scrum half Stu Townsend has been named on the bench, looking for his first Chiefs appearance of the season.

Rob Baxter said: “I think Gloucester will be disappointed with last week as they really had the momentum of the game at half time, and they almost looked like the team who were ready to cut loose. They will be smarting from it a little and will be wanting to respond.” The great thing when we play Gloucester is they bring a lot of travelling support, which’ll be a great atmosphere at Sandy Park.”

Gloucester Head Coach George Skivington makes just two changes in the Cherry and Whites side, with scrum half Micky Young set for his debut two weeks after arriving from Toulon. Louis Rees-Zammit starts on the wing, with the Welsh speedster replacing Jonny May, who has been cited and suspended following the match against Bath.

15. Tommy Wyatt 14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso 13. Henry Slade 12. Joe Hawkins 11. Ben Hammersle 10. Harvey Skinner 9. Tom Cairn 1. Scott Sio 2. Jack Yeandle 3. Ehren Painter 4. Rusi Tuima 5. Dafydd Jenkins (c) 6. Ethan Roots 7. Jacques Vermeulen 8. Aidon Davis

16. Dan Frost 17. Nika Abuladze 18. Josh Iosefa-Scott 19. Lewis Pearson 20. Ross Vintcent 21. Stu Townsen 22. Will Haydon-Woo 23. Olly Woodburn

15. Santi Carreras 14. Louis Rees-Zammi 13. Chris Harris 12. Seb Atkinson 11. Ollie Thorley 10. George Barto 9. Micky Youn 1. Mayco Vivas 2. George McGuigan 3. Fraser Balmain 4. Freddie Clarke 5. Matias Alemanno 6. Albert Tuisue 7. Lewis Ludlow (C) 8. Jack Clement

16. Santi Socino 17. Harry Elrington 18. Ciaran Knight 19. Arthur Clarke 20. Freddie Thomas 21. Stephen Varney 22. Mark Atkinson 23. Louis Hillman-Cooper