Leicester star Neil Back is expecting a tough examination of the Tigers' title prospects at the Recreation Ground on Saturday following the introduction of Michael Foley as new coach at Bath.

Back is set to lead the visitors in the absence of banned captain Martin Johnson, and they will be hot favourites to record another win on their march towards a fourth successive Zurich Premiership title.

Bath have failed to recover from a dismal start to the season, and the patience of owner Andrew Brownsword finally snapped on Tuesday, when he ditched head coach Jon Callard in favour of number two Foley, who only arrived at the club in December.

The former Australian hooker has a baptism of fire against a team who have lost only two league games this season, hold a 17-point lead at the top of the table and an incredible 33-point advantage over eighth-placed Bath, kings of the English game just a decade ago.

Yet Back is not convinced Leicester will have an easy ride against their arch-rivals, even if he has been surprised by their poor recent form.

"With their squad of players and great history, I expected a lot more from them this season," admitted Back.

"It's strange really because they have shown good form in Europe and on paper they are an outstanding team.

"There have obviously been problems, although I don't know if it is down to injuries, coaches or management. But we are not expecting them to roll over.

"There is a great rivalry between the clubs and I'm sure it will be a very close game."

Lewis Deacon is set to replace Johnson, as he did when the England skipper was diplomatically rested against Northampton two weeks ago, the day after his ultimately unsuccessful appeal against the punishment he received for punching Saracens' Robbie Russell in January.

International duo Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd are both absent, although Tim Stimpson has trained this week and could make the bench.

Foley also has injury concerns as he chases a win which would maintain Bath's faint hopes of a Heineken Cup berth next term.

Matt Perry is out for a month with a back problem, joining long term casualties Mike Catt, Andy Williams and Gareth Cooper.

Iain Balshaw is expected to take Perry's place at full-back, while skipper Dan Lyle is back after a recent shoulder problem.