Leicester Tigers welcome back a few big guns to the side for their LV= Cup game with Newport Gwent Dragons at Welford Road on Saturday.

Head coach Richard Cockerill said that fly-half Toby Flood is expected to be on the bench after six months out with injury, while flanker Craig Newby and winger Matt Smith could also return.

"Sam Vesty is not far away and Harry Ellis is getting closer too," said Cockerill.

"Soon, we can start to call those guys back.

"Aaron Mauger has had no reaction from his back and is getting up to fitness, which is great news for us.

"Jeremy Staunton and Anthony Allen are also fit and available.

"We are building slowly and it's another building block this weekend. We will put out our strongest side."

George Chuter, Jordan Crane and Ben Kay are also available after being released by England yesterday.

There is no doubt that the LV= Cup is firmly last on Tigers' list of priorities this season.

Yet their defeat at Leeds last weekend has hardly consigned their Anglo-Welsh hopes to the rubbish bin.

In a bizarrely-structured tournament, Tigers, in Group A, play everyone in Group D.

Only Saracens won in Group A last week with Sale, Ospreys and Tigers all losing.

"I just look at the tables and see what is happening," said Cockerill.

"In one pool, I think all of the sides won which is a bit strange.

"We are at home this weekend and will put out a strong side. We want to build some momentum going back into the league game with Gloucester on November 20.

"Newport have started well in the Magners League this season. They are well organised and play some good stuff.

"I know Paul Turner (head coach) well and we will treat them with respect. But we need to get back to winning ways for our return to the Guinness Premiership next weekend."

Tigers have not beaten a Welsh side in their last four attempts but the Dragons will have recent history against them.

Tigers have not lost a home game in the five years of the Anglo-Welsh Cup and are unbeaten at Welford Road in 20 matches in all competitions.