Barkley: Waves goodbye to the Rec on Saturday

Barkley, who is leaving to join Top 14 side Racing Metro 92, has amassed over 230 appearances for Bath and scored over 2160 points in his time at the club.

He re-joins Michael Claassens in the half-backs, with Stephen Donald switching to inside centre, partnering Dan Hipkiss in the midfield. Tom Biggs and Kyle Eastmond line up on the wings, as Nick Abendanon starts at full-back.

In the pack, David Wilson is back at tighthead, with Paul James handed the loosehead shirt.

Dave Attwood makes his first start of the season in the second row, combining with captain Stuart Hooper.

"I've had an amazing time here and I've made some fantastic memories, played in some amazing teams and met some wicked people, and I leave with nothing but absolute love for this place and these people," said Barkley.

"The task for me now is really to just concentrate on the game. It's a big occasion for me and for my family, but most important is getting four points. We need to get back on the horse after losing the last two on the bounce and have been working very hard to right the wrongs. It's not about me leaving, it's about the four points, and if I can say goodbye having helped the team to a win, then I'll be happy."

Meanwhile, Sharks' Director of Rugby Bryan Redpath has made six changes to his side with Nick Macleod and Cillian Willis forming a new half-back partnership.

Former Leicester flanker James Doyle, 21, is set to make his senior debut for the club. Scrum half Nathan Fowles, 19, will make his first appearance in the Premiership if he comes off the bench. Fowles, a used replacement in the club's Amlin Challenge Cup game at C.R.La Vila last January, comes from Rochdale and gained experience with Preston Grasshoppers last season.

Will Addison returns to the squad after a two game absence, whilst Dwayne Peel, Richie Gray and Henry Thomas are ruled out through injury.

"There are opportunities for some of the younger boys in the club. It's been tough after last Friday's match and what followed at the weekend," said Redpath.

"We're desperate to get another game under our belt because some of the parts of last week's match weren't what we expected.

"James Doyle and Nathan Fowles are two young members of the group. James has played exceptionally well for the Jets. He's come in and worked really hard to put pressure on others at the club. They both need to go out and enjoy the game as much as they can.

"Last season, Sale Sharks went to Bath on the back of a disappointing home performance and won, later going on to complete a double. As I've said, last week was unacceptable and hopefully we can show a big improvement."

Bath: 15 Nick Abendanon, 14 Kyle Eastmond, 13 Dan Hipkiss, 12 Stephen Donald, 11 Tom Biggs, 10 Olly Barkley, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Simon Taylor, 7 Ben Skirving, 6 Carl Fearns, 5 Dave Attwood, 4 Stuart Hooper (c), 3 David Wilson, 2 Lee Mears, 1 Paul JamesReplacements: 16 Ross Batty, 17 Nathan Catt, 18 Anthony Perenise, 19 Dominic Day, 20 Will Skuse, 21 Mark McMillan, 22 Sam Vesty, 23 Jack Cuthbert.

Sale: 15 Rob Miller, 14 Tom Brady, 13 Johnny Leota, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Mark Cueto, 10 Nick Macleod, 9 Cillian Willis, 8 Andy Powell, 7 David Seymour (capt ), 6 James Doyle, 5 Kearnan Myall, 4 Fraser McKenzie, 3 Tony Buckley, 2 Tommy Taylor, 1 Eifion Lewis-Roberts,Replacements: 16 Joe Ward, 17 Vadim Cobilas, 18 Aston Croall, 19 James Gaskell, 20 Mark Easter, 21 Nathan Fowles, 22 Danny Cipriani, 23 Will Addison.