Sale full-back Jason Robinson is refusing to read too much into the Sharks' blistering start to the new Zurich Premiership season.

Lions and England star Robinson has helped the Manchester side claim the scalps of Bristol, Newcastle and Wasps in their opening three games - a run of form that has taken them to the top of the table.

And with struggling Gloucester making the trip to Heywood Road on Saturday, the Sharks could snatch a fourth victim, although Robinson is keen to point out that it is too early to talk of a title challenge.

"We've made a strong start to the season which I am more encouraged by than surprised about," said the former rugby league ace.

"The character of the squad is excellent and that was something that was slightly lacking last year. We've also been working hard in training so we're fitter and stronger than last year.

"I'm not getting carried away, though. We made a similar start last season but could not keep it going. It's a bit early to start making any sort of predictions. There's a long way to go yet.

"But there is no reason why we can't keep it going. We've got great team spirit at Sale and if we keep doing the hard work then who knows."

Robinson believes Sale's Premiership credentials will be thoroughly tested on Saturday and is expecting a very physical encounter from Gloucester, who triumphed 24-16 at Heywood Road last season.

However, Cherry and Whites coach Philippe Saint-Andre has had difficulty gelling the big-name stars that pepper the Gloucester squad into an effective unit - a task he compares to making mayonnaise: "It is like mayonnaise. We need time sometimes to make good mayonnaise."

But time is something the Frenchman might be short of and another defeat could spell the end of his reign at Kingsholm.

With back-rowers Junior Paramore, Andy Hazell and Carl Houston still sidelined, Saint-Andre will give a start to Fijian Koli Sewabu.

Flanker Alex Sanderson, who has yet to start a game for Sale this season, will return to the side as skipper due to scrum-half Bryan Redpath being on international duty with Scotland.

Apollo Perelini drops to the bench to make way for Sanderson while James Bramhall replaces Redpath.