GUINNESS Premiership safety will be the solitary item on Kingsley Jones' agenda when his Sale Sharks team host fellow strugglers Newcastle tomorrow night.

A bonus-point victory at Edgeley Park would guarantee Sale their Premiership place for next season.

A win of any description should also be enough, as would even a losing bonus point, provided bottom club and relegation favourites Worcester lose against Leeds in Yorkshire on Sunday.

Newcastle though, are also in the mire, knowing defeat will drop them one place to 11th ahead of a final league fixture at home against title play-off contenders Wasps on May 8.

"We all realise the challenge that this game presents,’’ said former Ebbw Vale skipper Jones, whose line-up includes seven England internationals.

"There is a lot riding on the outcome. For us, Friday night is about winning to be safe.

"We have to be really positive about Friday and approach it with the attitude that we are fighting for our lives.

"If we lose, we are looking at going to Harlequins on May 8 needing a result, and nobody wants that.

"Everyone in the Premiership has got quality, but if you have two or three areas where you are struggling, it can be the difference between winning and losing.’’ Newcastle head to Stockport after conceding 20 tries and 167 points in their last four league and cup games.

But the Falcons, one point above Sale, are bolstered by skipper Carl Hayman's return following a back injury, and he will be joined in the front-row by hooker Rob Vickers, who has shrugged off a neck problem.

Other changes up front feature starts for prop Grant Shiells, lock James Hudson and flanker Filipo Levi, with one switch behind the scrum seeing Alex Tait restored at full-back.

"A win on Friday would ensure our Premiership status for next season,’’ said Newcastle rugby director Steve Bates.

"So it's absolutely vital that we really attack this game and look to rubber-stamp our survival before the final round of matches in a fortnight's time.

"Regardless of the various permutations, our fate is still very much in our own hands.

"The boys have looked sharp in training during the week, and they are all excited about the challenge in what we know could be a massive game for the club.’’ While Worcester's relegation scrap with Leeds dominates the weekend Premiership action, the race for fourth place intensifies.

Leaders Leicester and second-placed Northampton are already into the play-offs, with Saracens needing only a point to be certain of joining them.

But the remaining spot is being contested by Wasps, London Irish and Bath, who are separated by just two points with two rounds of matches remaining.

Wasps tackle Bath at Twickenham on Saturday, with London Irish facing a Kingsholm clash against Gloucester.