Leicester's European challenge came unstuck against Perpignan © Getty Images

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Matches: Leicester Tigers 54 - 21 Sale Sharks

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: Leicester Tigers | Sale Sharks

Grounds: Welford Road

Leicester will be intent on securing a bonus-point victory when they entertain struggling Sale Sharks at Welford Road on Monday.

After a defeat and draw against Perpignan home and away in the Heineken Cup, the Tigers will be anxious to return to domestic action where they have won their last three matches.

Sale have lost their last four in all competitions and will be under new stewardship after head coach Mike Brewer was abruptly sacked prior to Christmas. Leicester should be confident securing a five-pointer at home to aid their pursuit of Northampton at the top of the Premiership table.

Sale are third from bottom in the standings and could sink into the bottom two if Newcastle beat Leeds at Kingston Park.

Leicester - Player to Watch: Manu Tuilagi has been drafted into midfield and the giant youngster will line up in opposition to brother Andy. There will likely be a few family scores to settle as another Tuilagi, Alesana, is on the Leicester wing.

Leicester - Team News: There is a new look to the home side due to a couple of injuries and enforced rest for England players. Toby Flood and Jordan Crane are carrying knocks, meaning that Jeremy Staunton returns at fly-half and Thomas Waldrom shifts back to No.8. Ben Youngs, Dan Cole and George Chuter are all rested as James Grindal, Rob Hawkins and Martin Castrogiovanni start as a result.

Sale - Player to Watch: Mark Cueto will make his 150th appearance for the Sharks and after another difficult week his experience will be vital.

Sale - Team News: Nick Macleod deputises for Charlie Hodgson at fly-half and is joined at halfback by the experienced Dwayne Peel. Andrew Sheridan misses out with a back problem, although Chris Jones is fit to start his first game of the season in the second-row.

Key Battle: The Sharks do possess some quality in the backs but their ability to deliver quick ball to Peel will be put under the microscope by a typically heavyweight Leicester pack. The Welsh No.9 could be under pressure often at the base and also at the breakdown, which will snuff out any chance of an upset.

Trivia: Sale have gained just one victory in their last eight visits to Welford Road.

Stats: Leicester's Thomas Waldrom is third in the most metres gained chart - he is the only forward in the top ten.

Quote Unquote:

"We also have the England rest periods and a few injuries to deal with, but we've got a good squad and I'm looking for a big performance in front of a full house at Welford Road. We had a very good win away to London Irish in our last league game and we need to maintain our momentum and keep hold of that place in the top four of the table." - Leicester boss Richard Cockerill

"I am looking to make the game at Leicester Tigers our benchmark and we will have a look at things after the game and set our goals on where we are going. I have told the players that I want them to go out onto the field and express themselves and play with a smile on their face." - New Sale coach Pete Anglesea

Fantasy: Leicester's Scott Hamilton has racked up 52 points so far this season in the ESPNscrum Fantasy Rugby Game. Can you leave him out of your back-three?

Prediction: Leicester to return to domestic dominance with a powerhouse display and five points in front of the Welford Road faithful.