Aviva Premiership preview

The new Aviva Premiership season is almost upon us, skysports.com provides an in-depth preview to the 2011/12 campaign.

Club-by-club guide to the 2011/12 Aviva Premiership season

With the build up to the World Cup dominating the headlines, it has been easy to forget that the new Aviva Premiership season is almost upon us. However the 12 hopefuls have been back in training and are all raring to go for what could be a fantastically close season. Saracens are the side to beat after their first Premiership title, but expect beaten finalists Leicester to be spurred on by their loss. Northampton will be on a mission after a season where they were so close to silverware, while Gloucester and Bath will look to build on their promising 2010/11 campaigns. Wasps, under the tutelage of David Young, and Steve Diamond's Sale will also fancy their chances of a successful challenge. London Irish and Harlequins shouldn't be written off either, while Exeter caught the eye too with some spirited displays on their Premiership debut. Worcester return to the top-flight with big plans, while Newcastle have recruited heavily in a bid to avoid another relegation dogfight. For skysports.com's in-depth club-by-club guides, follow the links below - and share your views on the forthcoming campaign by filling in the feedback box... BATH
There will be optimism at Bath ahead of the new season, especially following the signing of Stephen Donald. EXETER
Exeter enjoyed a fine first campaign in the top flight, how will they cope with second season sydrome? GLOUCESTER
Gloucester will be looking to build on an encouraging season last time out which saw them win the LV= Cup. HARLEQUINS
Harlequins will be looking to make strides both on the domestic and European fronts this season. LEICESTER
The pressure is on for Leicester to deliver this season after a rare trophy-less last time around at Welford Road. LONDON IRISH
With the Premiership getting tighter, London Irish could find themselves in a real battle to remain in the top places. LONDON WASPS
There is a real buzz around the Wasps going into the new season, with David Young looking to bring back the club's glory days. NEWCASTLE
Newcastle will be looking to push on having avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth last season. NORTHAMPTON
Northampton were left to rue what could have been last term, will the new season see a change of fortunes? SALE
Sale have made wholesale changes to their squad in the close season, but will their new-look side be able to gel? SARACENS
Reigning champions Saracens will be looking to conquer on both the domestic and European fronts this season. WORCESTER
Worcester return to the Premiership after a 12-month absence looking to make amends for their last spell in the top flight.