Head coach Bryan Redpath will lead Gloucester for the first time in Europe against Anglo-Welsh rivals Newport Gwent Dragons.

And after three defeats in his last four Guinness Premiership games, the pressure is building on former Scotland scrum-half Redpath and he will be hoping for a good start at home.

Both sides failed to emerge from the pool stages in the Heineken Cup last season and that played a part in Dean Ryan’s departure in the summer.

Wales No8 Gareth Delve can play after a successful appeal on a domestic ban and he will be hoping to impress national boss Warren Gatland while Newport Gwent Dragons flanker Gavin Thomas will also intend to put his hand up for an autumn spot.

Luke Charteris will captain the Dragons in their first Heineken Cup match against Gloucester on Friday (7:30pm). Tom Willis has not yet returned from a calf injury he incurred in the first Magners League game of the season against Ulster.

Jason Tovey returns to fitness following a thigh strain and new signing Peter Bracken is set to feature.

Adam Jones and Gethin Robinson picked up thigh and shoulder injuries respectively in the Connacht game on Saturday whilst Matthew Watkins is ruled out with a groin strain. Alex Walker is suffering from a knee injury and back row Grant Webb is unavailable through illness.

Dragons squad:

Forwards
Ali McKenzie, Dan Lydiate, Duane Goodfield, Gavin Thomas, Hoani MacDonald, Hugh Gustafson, James Harris, Joe Bearman, Lewis Evans, Luke Charteris (C), Nigel Hall, Peter Bracken, Steve Jones

Backs
Aled Brew, Ashley Smith, Danny Lee, James Arlidge, Jason Tovey, Martyn Thomas,
Rhodri Gomer Davies, Richard Fussell, Shaun Connor, Tom Riley, Wayne Evans,
Will Harries