Cullen sat out last weekend's home win over NEC Harlequins but returns to partner Ben Kay in an experienced second row.
Head coach Pat Howard has given recalls to Sam Vesty, Tom Varndell and Ian Humphreys in the backline, with Marcos Ayerza returning to the front row alongside Gavin Hickie and Michael Holford, who moves across to tighthead. Tom Croft and Jordan Crane are included alongside Shane Jennings in the back row.
Johne Murphy and Leon Lloyd, who both played in a development game at Nottingham in midweek, are included on the bench.
George Chuter, Martin Corry, Harry Ellis and Louis Deacon, who were all on the bench for last weekend's victory over NEC Harlequins, are with England's squad for the Six Nations date with France at Twickenham, alongside prop Julian White who started last week's club game. James Hamilton, who played against Quins, is on the Scotland bench for their match against Ireland.
Geordan Murphy has received a late call-up to join the Ireland squad, while Andy Goode has aggravated a groin injury and sits out this week. Seru Rabeni picked up a calf injury in the game against Quins.
"We have obviously had to make changes, and Gloucester are missing a couple of players for the internationals including Marco Bortolami who has been a fantastic signing for them in terms of leadership," Howard said. "They have got some sharp backs with genuine pace and a nice, physical pack. We are looking forward to it.
"There is plenty of incentive for Gloucester but we want to raise our game too because they are just behind us and we know they are going to be right up there. Individually, we are looking for the players to make sure they get in the team week in, week out and do not lose the shirt. "
Tigers (v Gloucester, away, Sunday 1pm)
15 Sam Vesty
14 Tom Varndell
13 Dan Hipkiss
12 Daryl Gibson
11 Alesana Tuilagi
10 Ian Humphreys
9 Frank Murphy
1 Marcos Ayerza
2 Gavin Hickie
3 Michael Holford
4 Leo Cullen (captain)
5 Ben Kay
6 Tom Croft
7 Shane Jennings
8 Jordan Crane
Replacements
16 James Buckland
17 Alex Moreno
18 Brett Deacon
19 Luke Abraham
20 Scott Bemand
21 Leon Lloyd
22 Johne Murphy
