The Gallagher Premiership is back and what a way to kicks things back off again; the East Midlands Derby, away from home. 

Leaving the history of the contest and the rivalry aside, this game couldn't be bigger for both sides. 

Northampton, the reigning league champions, sit nine points behind Tigers in that all important fourth position. 

Tigers have a remarkable opportunity over the next fortnight or so to shape the back half of their season. Five points off second place, but also clinging on to their playoff spot, Saints followed by Sarries could be the tipping point of the season. 

As a regular season fixture, it simply doesn't get bigger. 

Tigers have gone full strength bar those unavailable through injury, most notably locks George Martin and Ollie Chessum. 

The home side have Finn Smith, Fraser Dingwall and Henry Pollock in reserve, but are missing England backs Alex Mitchell and Tommy Freeman, as well as Ollie Sleightholme and George Furbank. 

The last four meetings between the two famous old rivals in Premiership Rugby have been evenly split with two wins each, whilst the Tigers’ most recent success at cinch Stadium was 41-21 in September 2022.

Overall the two clubs have met on 256 occasions with Tigers winning 144, to 93 by the Saints amd 19 games drawn; 121 of those games have been at Franklin's Gardens, where Leicester's record is won 49, drawn 6, lost 66.

Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe (38th game)

AR: Hamish Smales

AR: Gareth Holsgrove

TMO: Stuart Terheege