Wilkinson to make first start

Jonny Wilkinson will make his first start of the season at Welford Road.

Leicester v Newcastle

Guinness Premiership, Welford Road, Friday October 14, KO 19.45pm, live on Sky Sports 1

Jonny Wilkinson has been selected in the Newcastle starting line-up for the first time this season.

The England fly half replaces Toby Flood, who picked up an injury in the defeat to Llanelli last weekend.

Wilkinson may well have already been in Rob Andrew's mind for the mammoth challenge at Welford Road, but Flood's absence has ensured the number 10's presence in the starting XV.

In total, Andrew makes four changes to the Newcastle side for their trip to Welford Road, as he takes charge of his 300th competitive game as Falcons' director of rugby.

The other three alterations all come in the front row, as the Newcastle boss once again freshens up his forward three.

Out go Grant Anderson, Matt Thompson and Tino Paoletti, and in come Micky Ward, Andy Long and Robbie Morris.

Jamie Noon could return in time for a place on the bench, which means the in-form Mathew Tait will continue at 13 in the centre's absence.

Leicester have recalled their big guns to the backline for Friday's intriguing Guinness Premiership encounter.

The Falcons suffered a humiliating 83-10 defeat in their last league visit to Welford Road, and Leicester coach Pat Howard is expecting a doubly-determined opposition this time around.

"They're a competitive team, especially away from home, and they're getting into a rhythm. When they're playing well, they're a tough side," warned Howard.

Tigers welcome back Harry Ellis, Andy Goode, Ollie Smith and Tom Varndell to their formidable attack, with Austin Healey, Ian Humphreys, Sam Vesty and Alesana Tuilagi making way.

Daryl Gibson is still not ready for his return from injury, so Dan Hipkiss remains in the starting line-up - moving to 12 to make way for the returning Smith.

The forwards show three changes from the pack that beat Worcester, with Louis Deacon and James Hamilton forming a new second row in place of the injured Ben Kay and rested Leo Cullen.

The final alteration sees Will Johnson step in for Will Skinner at blindside.

Leicester team: 15-Geordan Murphy, 14-Tom Varndell, 13-Ollie Smith, 12-Dan Hipkiss, 11-Leon Lloyd, 10-Andy Goode, 9-Harry Ellis, 1-Graham Rowntree, 2-George Chuter, 3-Julian White, 4-Louis Deacon, 5-James Hamilton, 6-Will Johnson, 7-Shane Jennings, 8-Martin Corry

Replacements: Ephraim Taukafa, Darren Morris, Leo Cullen, Will Skinner/Luke Abraham, Austin Healey, Sam Vesty, Alesana Tuilagi

Newcastle team: 15-Matthew Burke, 14-Tom May, 13-Mathew Tait, 12-Mark Mayerhofler, 11-Anthony Elliott, 10-Jonny Wilkinson, 9-Hall Charlton, 1-Micky Ward, 2-Andy Long, 3-Robbie Morris, 4-Andy Perry, 5-Geoff Parling, 6-Owen Finegan, 7-Cory Harris, 8-Colin Charvis

Replacements (from): Grant Anderson, Matt Thompson, Tino Paoletti, Mike McCarthy, Luke Gross, James Grindal, Jamie Noon, Dave Walder