Head coach Howard has had to make changes with six players involved in the England squad and Geordan Murphy away with Ireland.
Marcos Ayerza resumes in the front row in the absence of Julian White, with James Buckland gaining his first Guinness Premiership start of the season at hooker. Martin Castrogiovanni completes the front row.
Louis Deacon, who has been a regular at blindside this season, returns to his favoured position of lock, with a new unit of Brett Deacon, Shane Jennings and Jordan Crane making up the back row.
Howard said: "I've said all season we have four good second rows, but Louis has been playing at six where he offers a strong line-out option as well as the hard work at blindside. Now we have a new unit in the back row and it is important for us to test the balance there and see how they operate their own line-out options with Louis and Leo Cullen in the second row. Brett and Jordan are comfortable in the air, and that back row also offers ability on the floor and strength in running with the ball."
Harry Ellis and Paul Burke are at half-back, while Dan Hipkiss replaces the injured Ollie Smith at centre and Johne Murphy comes in on the wing.
"All of the guys who are coming in on Saturday are, at their best, more than worthy of a place in the team," added Howard. "The challenge to them all is to put in one of their best performances and for the units within the team to work well."
Alex Moreno is on the bench after his recovery from a calf injury, and James Hamilton has returned from a three-day training camp with Scotland to take a place among the replacements.
Leicester Tigers:
1 Marcos Ayerza
2 James Buckland
3 Martin Castrogiovanni
4 Leo Cullen (capt)
5 Louis Deacon
6 Brett Deacon
7 Shane Jennings
8 Jordan Crane
9 Harry Ellis
10 Paul Burke
11 Tom Varndell
12 Daryl Gibson
13 Dan Hipkiss
14 Johne Murphy
15 Sam Vesty
Replacements:
16 Gavin Hickie
17 Alejandro Moreno
18 James Hamilton
19 Luke Abraham
20 Scott Bemand
21 Matt Cornwell
22 Leon Lloyd
