Bath's Butch James and Leicester's Toby Flood come to blows during last season's Premiership semi-final © Getty Images

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Matches: Leicester Tigers 21 - 15 Bath Rugby

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: Bath Rugby | England | Leicester Tigers

Leicester Tigers and Bath renew their rivalry at Welford Road on Saturday with both sides looking to keep pace with the Aviva Premiership leaders.

The Tigers have struggled for top form on the domestic stage this season but clicked into gear during the opening two rounds of the Heineken Cup, most recently in their demolition of the Scarlets last weekend, and as a result they are the only side with maximum points. But they are currently languishing in mid-table mediocrity with Bath amongst those sides between them and the top of the table.

Bath may have also tasted success in Europe but they failed to make the kind of impression made by their Premiership rivals. And history also appears to be against the visitors with last season's 15-6 semi-final defeat the most recent and arguably most painful of recent losses to the defending champions. Adding to the usual hostilities will be the presence of former Tiger Sam Vesty in Bath colours following his switch in the summer - but another ex-Welford Road favourite Lewis Moody misses out through injury.

Leicester - Player to Watch: Fly-half Toby Flood has his eye set on the England No.10 shirt and another eye-catching display should sway the opinion of his international boss Martin Johnson.

Leicester - Team News: In the only changes to the side that started against the Scarlets last time out, Boris Stankovich and Dan Cole start either side of the scrum with Marcos Ayerza and Martin Castrogiovanni reverting to the replacements.

Bath - Player to Watch: Bath fly-half Sam Vesty lines up against his former side and will no doubt be determined to show them what they are now missing.

Bath - Team News: Flanker Lewis Moody misses the chance to go against his former side as he continues to battle back from an eye injury. Simon Taylor gets the nod at openside and packs down alongside Andy Beattie and captain Luke Watson. Ignacio Fernandez-Lobbe makes his first competitive start for Bath, with fellow new signing, John van der Giessen taking his spot on the bench.

Key Battle: In Bath No.8 Luke Watson and his Leicester counterpart Thomas Waldrom we have two of the best ever Premiership imports - but who will stamp their authority on this clash?

Trivia: Tigers have lost just once at Welford Road since September 2008.

Stats: Tigers are unbeaten in their last seven clashes with Bath in all competitions, since Bath won 25-21 in the Premiership at The Rec in November 2008. Bath's only previous victory at Welford Road in the Premiership was 13-12 on November 29, 2003.

Quote Unquote:

"People move on for different reasons - I did in my time and went to play in France. They are doing a different thing at a different club. That was their choice and I wish them well - just not against us." - Leicester boss Richard Cockerill looks forward to meeting former Tigers Lewis Moody and Sam Vesty.

"I'm trying to think of it as just another game, but when I see my old mates out there it's going to give things some edge." - Bath's Sam Vesty looks forward to seeing some old friends.

Fantasy: Leicester tight-head Martin Castrogiovanni has scored on each of the last two weekend - fancy him for a hat-trick? Tigers No.8 Thomas Waldrom is also in great form having claimed the man of the match honour last time out - perhaps time to tweak your ESPN Premiership Rugby Fantasy Game team?

Prediction: Leicester appear to be cranking through the gears which is bad news for Bath but great news for the Welford Road faithful who are set to witness their side heap more woe on their fierce rivals.