Falcons v Gloucester: Teams

Newcastle chief Steve Bates insists a "big start is crucial" if his side are to upset the odds and topple Gloucester at Kingston Park.

The Falcons currently lie three points off the bottom of the Premiership table, and have already lost twice to title-chasing Gloucester.

However Newcastle were only just edged out 11-10 in the EDF Energy Cup clash at Kingston Park - and Bates is taking confidence from that result.

Bates said: "We know what a quality side Gloucester are, having played them twice already ths season.

"Their cup visit back in November saw us take them right to the wire, but we know that a big start is absolutely crucial. Last weekend at London Irish we were the architects of our downfall by handing them a 14-point head start, and we know we can't afford a repeat."

Bates welcomes back fit-again Danny Williams and Micky Young to his starting XV, while David Wilson and Rob Vickers return to the front-row.

Lock Tim Swinson and flanker Ed Williamson are also added to the line-up, while utility back Alex Tait comes onto the bench.

Gloucester chief Dean Ryan insists Newcastle are "dangerous opponents" despite their current troubles in the league.

Dangerous

However having kicked off 2009 with a win over Saracens, Ryan is keen for his side to put together a run of results.

"We made a good start to the year against Saracens last weekend and we know Sunday's game could well shape the next three or four weeks for us," said Ryan.

"We will soon be heading back into Europe but this is a vital Premiership game against a side who are desperately fighting for points and that makes them very dangerous opponents.

"Last week was significant for us because we won a tight, scrappy game - we know we can be more of a threat and play better than we did, but that is a good thing for us because opportunities will come our way.

"Building momentum is important for us, particularly with the Guinness Premiership being tighter than ever and that is why Sunday represents another hugely important contest for us."

Ryan makes six changes to his side, with Willie Walker, Rory Lawson and Mark Foster all handed starts in the backline.

In the pack Alasdair Dickinson gets the nod ahead of Nick Wood at loosehead, while hooker Andy Titterrell replaces Olivier Azam and Marco Bortolami comes into the second row.

Newcastle Falcons: 15 Tom May, 14 Danny Williams, 13 Jamie Noon, 12 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 11 Tim Visser, 10 Rory Clegg, 9 Micky Young, 1 David Wilson, 2 Rob Vickers, 3 Carl Hayman, 4 Tim Swinson, 5 Geoff Parling, 6 Phil Dowson (capt), 7 Ed Williamson, 8 Adam Balding.
Replacements: 16 Matt Thompson, 17 Micky Ward, 18 Mark Sorenson, 19 Brent Wilson, 20 James Grindal, 21 Steve Jones, 22 Alex Tait.

Gloucester: 15 Olly Morgan, 14 Matthew Watkins, 13 Mike Tindall (capt), 12 Olly Barkley, 11 Mark Foster, 10 Willie Walker, 9 Rory Lawson, 1 Alasdair Dickinson, 2 Andy Titterrell, 3 Carlos Nieto, 4 Marco Bortolami, 5 Alex Brown, 6 Alasdair Strokosch, 7 Apo Satala, 8 Luke Narraway.
Replacements: 16 Olivier Azam, 17 Nick Wood, 18 Will James, 19 Adam Eustace, 20 Dave Lewis, 21 Ryan Lamb, 22 Anthony Allen.