Leicester boss Richard Cockerill wants the Tigers to show an improvement when they resume Guinness Premiership business on Friday night.

Cockerill's team will move into the top three if they beat a misfiring Gloucester outfit at Kingsholm.

But he believes they must step up their performance following an unimpressive LV= Cup victory over Welsh side Newport Gwent Dragons last time out.

"Our performance was a bit up and down against the Dragons," said Cockerill.

"We pride ourselves on being more difficult to play against than that, so we are looking for an improvement.

"We are into a key part of the season, with Gloucester, Leeds and Wasps in the Premiership and then into back-to-back Heineken Cup games (against Clermont Auvergne)."

Australian recruit Lote Tuqiri makes his Premiership debut on the wing for Leicester, who also welcome back centre Aaron Mauger, while England squad members Ben Kay and Jordan Crane feature in the pack.

Gloucester, beaten nine times in all competitions this term, include loan signing Nathan Thomas among their replacements, along with England prop Paul Doran-Jones.

And there is a first Premiership start for hooker Darren Dawiduik, while Gloucester boss Bryan Redpath recalls the likes of prop Greg Somerville, wing James Simpson-Daniel and fly-half Nicky Robinson.

Worcester, meanwhile, are strengthened by number eight Kai Horstmann beginning his comeback after two months out injured for tonight's Sixways appointment with lowly Bath.

And Warriors rugby director Mike Ruddock knows victory would see his team move above Sale Sharks and Harlequins into seventh spot.

"We rested up a few guys for this fixture, and we expect them to go in with plenty of energy and plenty of edge," he said.

"I am a big fan of Bath, because they play some top rugby.

"They probably won't want a set-piece game with us. I think they will want to play with width and tempo and play an off-loading game - it will be a tough task to bottle them up and keep them confined.

"The breakdown will once again be very important. They want quick ball, so we have got to try and turn them over and force some mistakes in deep areas."

Bath, currently just two points above bottom club Leeds, welcome back lock Danny Grewcock from suspension and hand South African signing Luke Watson a first Premiership appearance.

"We are not comfortable in the position we find ourselves in at the moment in the table," admitted Bath's skills and defence coach Brad Davis.

"But what I believe we have shown in the last few weeks is a lot of spirit and character, and hopefully that will hold us in good stead."

Elsewhere, Northampton could have England lock Courtney Lawes back in their team against Quins at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday, while Sunday's action sees Leeds hosting Sale, Newcastle travelling to London Irish and leaders Saracens entertaining Wasps.