Preview: Leicester v Newcastle

Louis Deacon will make his first appearance of the season when Leicester Tigers run out against Newcastle Falcons on Saturday.

Louis Deacon will make his first appearance of the season when Leicester Tigers run out against Newcastle Falcons in Aviva Premiership at Welford Road on Saturday.

The England international lock has overcome a back injury to take his place in the side for the first time since the Premiership Final in May.
Deacon's return is timely following long-term injuries to Geoff Parling (knee) and Ben Pienaar (Achilles).
Lee Robinson makes his first Aviva Premiership start for the club on the wing as Scott Hamilton moves to full-back in the absence of Geordan Murphy who is on international duty with Ireland.
Jordan Crane, who led out the team in the LV= Cup tie against Harlequins three weeks ago, will captain the side in a league fixture for the first time.

Meanwhile, Newcastle Falcons Head Coach Alan Tait has made three changes to the side that beat Gloucester last week.

Kieran Brookes replaces the injured Rob Vickers at hooker, while Micky Ward starts at tight head.

There is a reshuffle in the backs as Gcobani Bobo moves out on to the wing for the injured Charlie Amesbury with Tane Tu'ipulutu slotting in at centre.
In form Falcons scrum-half, Micky Young believes his side has what it takes to defeat Leicester Tigers at Welford Road on Saturday.
21-year-old Young was in sublime form at half back as the Falcons swept aside title challengers, Gloucester last week.
And the nippy playmaker, who will be making his first ever appearance at Welford Road, cannot wait to pull on the Falcons jersey again.

Hartlepool born, Young was in breathtaking form against the Cherry and Whites on Sunday to the delight of the Kingston Park faithful.
Young was the architect behind the northeasterners triumph, with his intelligence and trickery in attack. Now the former England sevens player is eying back to back wins with victory over the Tigers in front of an expectant crowd.
“If you worry about the crowd and what's going on around you, then you've already lost the game as far as I'm concerned,” he said.

The number nine has also expressed his delight with the return of captain, James Hudson whom Young admits is vital for the Falcons cause.
“It makes a massive difference having Huddo [James Hudson] back in the team. I didn't get to see the stats from last week, but I know he stole a few balls and he's the type of player we need at the club.
“His presence and work rate is vital, so to get a win on his first game back is no coincidence and I'm sure we'll kick on from here,” he said.

Form:Leicester have won three of their last four games against Newcastle, whilst the Falcons only previous win at Welford Road was 25-19 on 30 December 1997. Tigers' four game losing run in all competitions came to an end with their 18-13 victory over Harlequins at Welford Road on Friday evening. All eight of the Tigers games in Aviva Premiership Rugby this season have been won by the home side on the day. Newcastle Falcons ended their five match losing streak in the Premiership with their 12-6 victory over Gloucester at Kingston Park on Sunday. The Falcons have won just one away game in any competition since mid-January 32-30 at Sale in the Premiership on 23 April.

The teams:

Leicester: 15 Scott Hamilton, 14 Lee Robinson, 13 Matt Smith, 12 Anthony Allen, 11 Manu Tuilagi, 10 Billy Twelvetrees, 9 James Grindal, 8 Jordan Crane (c), 7 Craig Newby, 6 Thomas Waldrom, 5 George Skivington, 4 Louis Deacon, 3 Julian White, 2 George Chuter, 1 Peter Bucknall.
Replacements: 16 Rob Hawkins, 17 Jonny Harris, 18 Ryan Bower, 19 Ed Slater, 20 Steve Mafi, 21 Jason Spice, 22 George Ford, 23 Andy Forsyth.

Newcastle: 15 Jeremy Manning, 14 Luke Fielden, 13 Tane Tu'ipulutu, 12 Luke Eves, 11 Gcobani Bobo, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Micky Young, 8 Ally Hogg, 7 Redford Pennycook, 6 Brent Wilson, 5 Tim Swinson, 4 James Hudson (captain), 3 Micky Ward, 2 Kieran Brookes 1 Grant Shiells.
Replacements:16 Crombie,17 Darren Fearn, 18 James Hall, 19 Glen Townson, 20 Will Welch, 21 Chris Pilgrim, 22 Micheal Tait, 23 Tom Catterick.

Date: Saturday, November 27
Venue: Welford Road
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
Referee: Greg Garner