The Sharks, lurking just one point behind champions Wasps, are rated as major contenders for Premiership silverware this season.

And victory over Lawrence Dallaglio's Londoners at Edgeley Park would send a huge statement of intent to their fellow Premiership big guns.

"This season's squad is the strongest we've had at Sale since I joined the club," said Sharks skipper Robinson.

"Potentially, I feel we've got a side to match all the teams, but having the potential and actually carrying it out are two different things.

"Friday's game is very important, it is one of the biggest games of the season. We want to win all our home games, but we know it is going to take a massive effort.

"Wasps have got some great players, and they will have targeted this game as well."

Wasps were the last team to lower Sale's colours in a league game on home soil, winning 27-25 more than six months ago, and it could be just as close.

"Sale are a good side playing well," said Wasps rugby director Ian McGeechan. "They will be a big challenge for us, and our all-round game will need to be very good in order to compete."

England wing Josh Lewsey's first league start of the season is at inside centre, with McGeechan opting for a Lewsey/Stuart Abbott midfield combination, while Dallaglio, Joe Worsley and Jonny O'Connor forge an unchanged back row following last week's Powergen Cup pummelling of Cardiff Blues.

"Josh is coming back to fitness, and selecting him in the centre was a tactical decision on our part," McGeechan added. "He finished last season well in the centre position."