Even before they travel to Exeter for their final group game this weekend, Bath are virtually assured of their place in the semi-finals of the LV= Cup.

They have taken a maximum 15 points from their three games in the Anglo-Welsh competition with wins against Northampton, Worcester and Newport-Gwent Dragons.

While Saracens could draw level with them before Sunday's match at Sandy Park, Bath have scored ten more tries than their Pool One rivals, so are sitting pretty.

Even before the other sides complete their fixtures before the televised tussle, the side from The Rec only need a point to guarantee themselves a home berth in the last four.

However, they will have to try to achieve that without the services of skipper Stuart Hooper.

The former Crediton player faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines after being forced off with an eye-socket injury just 28 minutes into his comeback game last weekend.

Hooper, who was captaining the side for the first time since recovering from a broken wrist, suffered the injury while making a tackle.

Bath performance director Sir Ian McGeechan said: "Stuart damaged an eye-socket. Unfortunately, he's having some bad luck at the moment."

The lock, who grew up in Poughill, also missed the end of last season with a broken arm. To add to McGeechan's woes, Will Spencer, who replaced Hooper during the 46-14 win against Northampton last weekend, has strained a hamstring.

However, Ben Skirving is expected to step up from the back row to provide cover in the engine room.

With England releasing Dave Attwood, Matt Banahan, Lee Mears and David Wilson this week, Bath's squad has been given a timely lift. British and Irish Lions legend McGeechan will have to decide if he wants to throw those players straight back in after being away with the national side.