European Cup/Pools Three and Five: Northampton, top of Pool Three despite their abject form in the English Premiership, can expect a ferocious Toulouse backlash in today's showdown at Stade Ernest Wallon (Sky Sports 2, kick-off: 3.00).
The French side, beaten 23-21 by Northampton last weekend, have embarked on some serious soul-searching this week, which included a reminder from the club president about how important, especially financially, this tournament has become.
"We were aware of Northampton's poor domestic form and their off-pitch difficulties, and we were hoping to capitalise on those weaknesses," said Toulouse's Irish international Trevor Brennan. "But we are blowing very hot and cold at the moment - we need to work on our consistency."
Toulouse welcome back their French international captain Fabien Pelous, while Welsh captain Gareth Thomas switches from the wing to centre.
Llanelli Scarlets can keep alive their outside chance of qualifying from Pool Three by defeating Stradey Park visitors Glasgow tomorrow (Sky Sports 2, kick-off: 1.00).
Hooker Robin McBryde features in Llanelli's 22 for the first time this season after recovering from injury, with Garan Evans taking over as captain from the absent Simon Easterby, who has a rib injury.
In Pool Five, Jonny Wilkinson is ready for his first taste of action in two months after he was included among the replacements for Newcastle's tie against Edinburgh today.
Wilkinson had been suffering from deep bruising to his right bicep and has not played since October 17th, when he left the field in agony after repeated hits to the arm. Subsequent scans showed the bruise had started to calcify and he was forced out all of England's autumn Tests.
Newport-Gwent Dragons hope to turn up the heat on Pool Five leaders Newcastle today by beating Perpignan at Stade Aime Giral (Sky Sports 2, kick-off: 7.00).
REMAINING FIXTURES
Today: Ulster v Stade Francais, 1.0; Cardiff v Gloucester, 2.30.
Jan 7th-9th: Stade Francais v Cardiff; Ulster v Gloucester.
Jan 14th-16th: Cardiff v Ulster; Gloucester v Stade Francais.
