Gloucester are five points adrift of third placed Sale, and Leeds are pushing to get off the foot of the Premiership table, as the two sides clash at Kingsholm on Saturday (Sat 9 April, kick off 3pm).
Commenting on www.gloucesterrugbyclub.com Gloucester's director of rugby said: "Leeds are fighting for their lives at the moment, but so are we. Both of us know how important this game is, and that's why any talk of even next week has been put away, until after Saturday."
The Tykes come into Saturday's game on the back of a win over Leicester in their last Premiership outing, and Gloucester also took the four points when they defeated London Irish.
"Leeds beat the top side last time out and there's no doubt they'll be in a good mood on their journey down here," added Melville.
Melville and coach Dean Ryan have a number of players returning for Saturday's clash with both Duncan McRae and James Simpson-Daniel completing more than 55 minutes in Monday's 'A' League win over Saracens, and Welsh hooker Mefin Davies available after injury.
"It's great to have Duncan back, it certainly gives us some more options. Sinbad (James Simpson-Daniel) also looked good. He needed a run-out after no game last weekend and missing the Irish win. He's making a good job of playing at outside centre."
But the Gloucester coaching team will definitely be without Phil Vickery (broken arm) and Henry Paul (knee) for Saturday. Chris Fortey (ankle) and James Parkes (wrist) are also missing through injury.
With Gloucester sitting five points behind third placed Sale, and Bath and Saracens also ahead of the Kingsholm club, wins are required, as well as certain results going their way.
Melville added: "It's still a bit of a mix in terms of how much is in our own hands for Heineken Cup qualification. What is clear is that we have to win our final three games, and then rely on a few other results going our way.
"With that in mind, our focus has to be, and is, on Leeds on Saturday. There's been talk from people outside of the Club of next season already. As far as we're concerned we have to concentrate on here and now, starting with Leeds."
Tickets for Saturday's clash are available on-line at www.gloucesterrugbyclub.com, on the ticket hotline on 0871 871 8781 and from the ticket office at the ground.
![]() |
![]() |



