Matt Stevens is named on the bench after being released by England and scrum-half Ben Spencer also returns from duty with England U20s.
"We've enjoyed another excellent week of preparation and are really looking forward to the game against Leicester," said director of rugby Mark McCall.
"Leicester come to us on the back of a defeat to Exeter Chiefs but before that match, they had shown the type of form that has made them one of the most consistent sides in the Premiership.
"They have a squad full of internationals with a lot of experience, so we know that all aspects of our game must be at the very highest levels on Sunday."
Meanwhile, Samoa international prop Logoviii Mulipola is given his first Aviva Premiership start for Leicester in the trip to Watford.
The 24-year-old tighthead has his opportunity in the absence of Dan Cole, Martin Castrogiovanni and Julian White, and joins internationals Marcos Ayerza and George Chuter in the Tigers front-row.
Changes
James Grindal and Matt Smith come into the backline in changes following defeat at Exeter Chiefs last Saturday.
Sam Harrison (ankle) and Alesana Tuilagi (knee) are ruled out after picking up injuries at Exeter, but Manu Tuilagi, Toby Flood and Thomas Waldrom return from the England training camp to take starting roles.
Craig Newby, who captained Tigers in the Aviva Premiership Final against Saracens in May, is named among the replacements as he continues his return from injury,
Scotland Under-20s scrum-half Scott Steele joins England Under-20s fly-half George Ford in the matchday squad.
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