It's July 4th and it's Independence Day over in America but more importantly, the new Aviva Premiership fixtures have been announced here in England!

Every club will now have fixtures available but we've decided to select the top five matches you should watch in Round 1 and Round 2 of the 2012/13 Aviva Premiership season.

1. London Welsh v Leicester Tigers
This will be one hell of an introduction to top flight rugby for London Welsh. Most teams struggle against Leicester but when you're London Welsh things get a whole lot tougher. They will probably put up a good challenge in their first match Premiership match at the Kassam Stadium but Leicester will probably issue them with a thumping victory. 

2. Exeter Chiefs v Sale Sharks
These two teams found themselves in a race for the top four at the end of last season and both did so unexpectedly. It will be intriguing to see how both teams have both progressed over the summer with some new signings coming to Sandy Park and Bryan Redpath taking over at Sale.

3. London Wasps vs Harlequins
One of two matches taking place at Twickenham on the opening weekend will see Champions Harlequins take on relegation battle survivors Wasps.

Wasps will have had a lot of time to reflect on a very poor season that was affected by injury, retirements and other unexpected woes. They have a number of new signings who will boost their revival but Harlequins will be looking to prove they can sustain their form. 

4. Gloucester Rugby v Northampton Saints
Northampton were narrowly defeated by Harlequins in their play-off semi-final last season and it will be interesting to see how they fare against a rejuvenated Gloucester team with a new coach and the likes of Ben Morgan, Billy Twelvetrees and Jimmy Cowan among their ranks.  The Saints will face a tough opening trip to Kingsholm and the Gloucester faithful will hope their team get back to winning ways.

5. Bath v London Wasps
The last time these sides met, Sam Vesty celebrated moments before touching down a crucial late try which would have sent London Wasps into the Championship but Tom Varndell made the vital late tackle. Vesty will have learned from his mistake and after a disappointing season from both of these teams, they'll both be looking to get a strong start.

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