Recent Form: A tricky run, in which Lions have not enjoyed much luck – their 25-10 defeat at Sedgley Park last Saturday saw them end with two back rows in the centres after a rash of injuries.

Defeats at Birmingham Moseley (27-10) and Blackheath (22-19) preceded that loss, though Lions previously secured back-to-back wins against Dings Crusaders (22-15) and Sale (15-12).

Leicester lost to Esher 36-31 and Darlington Mowden Park 36-29 in November, results which followed reverses against the top four the month before – Rosslyn Park (48-24), Richmond (43-12), Rotherham Titans (34-17) and Rams (54-29).

Lions collected their opening success at home to Sedgley Park (29-23) in Round Four, having gone down to Plymouth Albion (27-22), Moseley (21-7) and Bishop’s Stortford (36-12) beforehand, the opening-day loss partially defined by more than half the regulars being at a wedding!

Players to Watch:

Ollie Taylor – Long-serving hooker and vice-captain has racked up more than 250 caps since arriving at Westleigh Park, missing only two games this season.

Currently has a nose for the try-line with three scores in past five games, including one against Sedgley last week.

Luke Bouchier – Into his third season at Lions, the fly-half or centre tops their points-scoring charts for the campaign with 44 to date (16 conversions, four penalties).

Reached his 50th cap for the club against Rosslyn Park in October, and has represented England Counties Under 18s and 20s.

Toby Cousins – England Under 20s wing is on-loan from Northampton Saints having started the season with Bedford Blues in the Championship.

After a game for his parent club in the Premiership Cup, the speedster has crossed four times in four games for Lions, adding to three from six last term.

Jake Sterland leads the Lions’ try-scorers this season with seven, but was forced off injured at Sedgley Park.