Image source, Getty Images

Tom Varndell - who has seven tries in his last three outings - will start the afternoon just one score away from equalling Mark Cueto's Premiership career try-scoring record of 90.

With the record holder watching in the crowd will Bristol's winger equal or even surpass that record today?

The first match of the day comes at the AJ Bell Stadium.

It’s a big afternoon for both sides with a victory firmly at the top of their respective New Year’s wish lists.

Sale Sharks have lost their last seven matches in all tournaments since beating Wasps on 4 November and have struggled to find their flow in this season's competition. 

While Bristol's round 11 win means that they are only two points behind Worcester at the bottom of the table, and know that another victory would set 2017 off on the right foot. 

Image source, Rex Features

There was just the one game on Saturday, with Exeter mounting a second-half comeback to win at play-off rivals Bath.

Trailing 11-0 at the break, two late tries from winger James Short gave the Chiefs victory at the Rec.

That moved the Devon side up to third in the table, with Wasps top after winning 34-30 at Newcastle on Friday.

Here's what we've got coming up this afternoon:

• Sale v Bristol (14:30 GMT)
• Gloucester v Northampton (15:00 GMT)
• Leicester v Saracens (15:00 GMT)
• Worcester v Harlequins (15:00 GMT)

But, before we sink our teeth into previewing those games, a reminder that there was some Premiership action yesterday...

Image source, Rex Features

Happy New Year and welcome along to our live text coverage of today's four Premiership rugby games.

Following on from the fireworks in London which saw in 2017 in style, we are expecting more on the pitch this afternoon.

There are important fixtures at both ends of the table, and we are here to guide you all through it.