Staunton, who moved to Welford Road from London Wasps this summer, will play at fly-half for the game against Top 14 side Castres in Camares, France (6.30pm local time).
The Ireland international is among 13 players who will make their first starts of the summer programme as Tigers continue their pre-season preparations. Only Billy Twelvetrees and Matt Smith are named in the first XV for the second game in a row.
Twelvetrees moves across to centre, where he will partner captain Dan Hipkiss, while Smith switches to the wing with Scott Hamilton on the opposite flank and Johne Murphy at full-back.
Lock Richard Blaze is set for his first start in nine months after recovering from a foot problem and he will partner Ben Kay in the second row.
George Chuter is named at hooker and will be joined in the front row by Boris Stankovich and Martin Castrogiovanni. Brett Deacon, Ben Woods and Jordan Crane form the back row.
Head coach Richard Cockerill said: “It has been a really good training camp. The boys have worked really hard and we have got through everything we need to get through.
“This is a final warm-up for Castres and they will be starting the championship fixrures next week. This is part of our training week and it will be another test.”
Tigers: J Murphy, Smith, Twelvetrees, Hipkiss (c), Hamilton, Staunton, B Youngs; Stankovich, Chuter, Castrogiovanni, Blaze, Kay, B Deacon, Woods, Crane.
For match report and reaction, see the Tigers official club website on Saturday evening.
Tigers return much closer to home when they visit Nottingham at Meadow Lane next Saturday (August 15). Kick-off is at 4pm. Tickets are £15 adults, £10 concessions, £7 students and £4 for Under £16s. You can save £2 on each ticket if bought in advance. Book online at www.nottinghamrugbyshop.co.uk, call 0115 985 9742 or visit the office at Meadow Lane.
Matchday hospitality is also available, featuring a three-course carvery , VIP match tickets and car park pass. Price is £40 plus VAT per person or £350 plus VAT for a table of 10.
