Gallagher Premiership Rugby returns after a fortnight of European action, and with just four rounds left, every match counts as the race for semi-final and Heineken Champions Cup places reaches its conclusion.
Reigning champions Harlequins host table-toppers Leicester Tigers at the Twickenham Stoop in a massive game for both sides.
Third place Quins suffered European heartbreak after missing out on a Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final spot by just one point after two legs against Montpellier and they will be hoping to inflict just a fourth league defeat of the season on the Tigers.
If Tabai Matson’s men manage to pull off a positive result it will help put pressure on second place Saracens as sides look to nail down a home semi-final.
Tigers edged the reverse fixture 16-14 at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, and should they win again they will have all but guaranteed home advantage for their semi-final fixture.
Sunday’s match also has huge semi-final ramifications as Saracens host fourth place Exeter Chiefs at StoneX Stadium.
Both sides need a win as Saracens look to lock down a home semi while Chiefs need to see off the likes of Gloucester Rugby and Northampton Saints to secure the final spot in the top four.
The Chiefs edged out Saracens 18-15 at Sandy Park, and this weekend’s clash is sure to be another closely fought cracker.
On Friday night, Bristol Bears host Gloucester at Ashton Gate, with The Cherry and Whites still very much in the hunt for a semi-final spot, while the Bears will be desperate to bounce back from their European exit and finish the season strongly.
Gloucester won the reverse fixture 27-10 at Kingsholm and will be hoping for a similar result this time around to keep pace with Rob Baxter’s Chiefs.
Also on Friday night, Newcastle Falcons host London Irish at Kingston Park looking to avenge their 43-21 defeat to Irish in December.
Irish currently occupy eighth spot and a place in the Heineken Champions Cup next season, so they will be hoping to get back to winning ways after suffering back-to-back Gallagher Premiership Rugby defeats to Northampton Saints and Harlequins.
There are two further Saturday games, with Wasps hosting Worcester Warriors at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Wasps sit just one point behind London Irish and have a game in hand, making a win on Saturday even more important if they are to leapfrog their rivals.
The Warriors won a classic earlier on in the season, edging Wasps 32-31 at Sixways, and fans will be hoping this is another thrilling encounter that goes to the wire.
Finally, Bath Rugby host Northampton Saints at the Recreation Ground on Saturday afternoon.
Both sides come into this game off the back of disappointing European Challenge Cup defeats but are at differing ends of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby table.
Fifth place Saints, who are four points behind Chiefs with a game in hand, are on a glittering run of form after winning their last three league matches.
However, Chris Boyd’s side face a much-improved Bath who are desperate to get themselves off the bottom of the table.
Saints won 40-19 at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in the corresponding fixture and will be hoping their excellent run of form can earn them a similar result this week to keep them right in the mix for the top four.
