Added into the mix two derbies with rivals Glasgow and Moffat maintains it is make-or-break time.

“Every game is big for us, but we know that if we don’t beat Bath then it will be incredibly difficult to achieve anything in Europe this season,” he said.

“We’ve got two games against Bath followed by two derbies against Glasgow, so we’ve got four really important matches coming up that will shape our season.

“I really like these double-headers because sometimes you have to wait a few months before you play the same opposition.

“We have to win this game and that is an exciting challenge for us.”

Phil Godman comes in at stand-off despite David Blair’s man-of-the-match performance last week with Ross Ford replacing Andrew Kelly at hooker.

While Bath have recorded just one win in their last 11 matches they do hold a 100per cent record over Edinburgh in European competition.

Flanker Andy Beattie joins an illustrious club of players, including Jeremy Guscott and Andy Robinson when he makes his 200th appearance for the club, while winger Jack Cuthbert fills in for the suspended Matt Banahan, while the injured Danny Grewcock is replaced by Peter Short in the engine room.