Gloucester v Northampton: Teams

Gloucester coach Dean Ryan makes several changes to his side for the visit of Northampton as they bid to win a fifth consecutive match in all competitions.

Ryan welcomes back a number of players from international duty, although scrum-half Dave Lewis retains his place despite the return of Scotland's Rory Lawson.

Tighthead prop Carlos Nieto makes his first start since the 11-10 victory over Newcastle in the EDF Energy Cup, with Jack Forster dropping out, while Italy's Marco Bortolami comes in at lock with Alex Brown ruled out with a jaw injury.

Alasdair Strokosch will start at flanker with Andy Hazell suffering from an ankle injury, while behind the scrum Iain Balshaw fills in at full-back following a hamstring injury to Olly Morgan, with Lesley Vainikolo returning on the wing.

"We have maintained some of the things we prioritised at the start of the season but at the same time combined it with elements of our game we are more comfortable with," said Ryan.

"What we have tried to do is understand the balance between certain areas of our game and ensuring that we remain competitive. We have done that better since Saracens and we must try and move that forward again against a good side.

"The November window of internationals has given us a really good insight into where we are and we have moved through it pretty well with players like Dave Lewis really establishing themselves as Premiership-quality players. We are in a pretty healthy position and must kick on from that now.

"Northampton will create a different threat to Bristol, they have some very creative runners and are really well coached by Jim Mallinder - he is someone I have a lot of time for and has done a great job for the Saints.

"But we have established some momentum and confidence over the last few weeks and we must aim to build on it."

Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder makes three changes to the pack that was involved in the 28-28 draw with Bath last week.

Prop Euan Murray replaces the benched Barry Stewart while Christian Day comes into the second row in place of Juandre Kruger.

Flanker Scott Gray is chosen ahead of Mark Hopley, who starts amongst the replacements.

"Kingsholm is a great place to play rugby. Gloucester have passionate fans who create plenty of atmosphere," said Mallinder.

"It will be a big occasion which we are approaching positively and with belief in ourselves and what we can do as a team."

Gloucester: 15 Iain Balshaw, 14 Matthew Watkins, 13 Mike Tindall (c), 12 Anthony Allen, 11 Lesley Vainikolo, 10 Ryan Lamb, 9 Dave Lewis, 8 Luke Narraway, 7 Alasdair Strokosch, 6 Peter Buxton, 5 Marco Bortolami, 4 Will James, 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 Olivier Azam, 1 Nick Wood.
Replacements: 16 Scott Lawson, 17 Alasdair Dickinson, 18 Adam Eustace, 19 Apo Satala, 20 Rory Lawson, 21 Olly Barkley, 22 Willie Walker.

Northampton:15 Stephen Myler, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Bruce Reihana (c), 12 James Downey, 11 Paul Diggin, 10 Carlos Spencer, 9 Ben Foden, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Scott Gray, 6 Mark Easter, 5 Christian Day, 4 Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Joe Gray, 1 Tom Smith.
Replacements: 16 Paul Shields, 17 Barry Stewart, 18 Soane Tonga'uiha, 19 Alex Rae, 20 Mark Hopley, 21 Lee Dickson, 22 Nils Mordt.