Leicester v S Francais, Welford Road, 7.45, On TV: Sky Sports 1: Leicester will go into tonight's showdown against French champions Stade Francais, with coach Dean Richards declaring: "It is like a cup final."
The two-time European champions will progress from Pool One if they avoid defeat, but a Stade victory would mean Leicester making their first group-stage exit since 2000.
"People are making us favourites because of our last two wins (against Ulster and Gwent Dragons). But they must remember that Stade Francais have a star-studded side and in Nick Mallett one of the best coaches in world rugby," said Tigers rugby director Richards.
"It's the biggest game of the season, and is very much like a cup final for us. We have to win it."
Lock Ben Kay and right wing Ollie Smith have recovered from injury and will start. Steve Booth moves from the wing to full back as replacement for groin-injury victim Sam Vesty.
A number of players have shaken off knocks to resume their place in the side, including the Tuilagi brothers, Henry and Freddie.
The Welford Road pitch has been covered all week, and the club have 100 people standing by to shovel snow off the covers if required.
