Tigers targeting Christmas

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.

Leicester Tigers

Sale Sharks