England full-back Iain Balshaw will return in the number 15 jersey following ankle trouble in place of Olly Morgan, his national team-mate Mike Tindall is named on the bench after recovering from a calf injury and he will be joined by Italian prop Carlos Nieto for the first time this season following an operation on his shoulder.
"Both Mike and Iain have had no reaction all week and it is fantastic to have them involved again," assistant coach Bryan Redpath told www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
"Mike's injury was slightly longer term than originally anticipated because of complications but it was vitally important both he and the club got the problem right and he will be going into this game in really good shape.
"We obviously found something in Carlos's shoulder that required immediate attention but to have a player of his expertise and quality for a game of this significance is crucial to us.
"We are aware that this is a huge game for both clubs and that we face an extreme physical effort tomorrow. I am positive this will be the Premiership at its very best and we are relishing the challenge."
Alongside Balshaw, James Bailey and Mark Foster - who both scored during Gloucester's EDF Energy Cup win over Bristol last weekend - complete the back three.
Jack Adams and Anthony Allen are the centre combination while Ryan Lamb and Pete Richards complete an all-English backline.
If Tindall comes it off the bench tomorrow night he will make his 100th Premiership appearance.
Up front, Nick Wood starts at loosehead in place of Patrice Collazo, in the only change to the last weekend's front row.
Will James and Adam Eustace form the second row combination and the tried and trusted trio of Peter Buxton (capt), Andy Hazell and James Forrester complete the back row.
On the bench, lock Jonathan Pendlebury returns for the first time this season following shoulder surgery.
GLOUCESTER (v Worcester, tomorrow 8pm): Iain Balshaw; James Bailey, Jack Adams, Anthony Allen, Mark Foster; Ryan Lamb, Peter Richards; Nick Wood, Mefin Davies, Christian Califano, Will James, Adam Eustace, Peter Buxton (capt), Andy Hazell, James Forrester. Reps: Olivier Azam, Carlos Nieto, Jonathan Pendlebury, Jake Boer, Rory Lawson, Ludovic Mercier, Mike Tindall.
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