Bath coach Michael Foley believes his team will be relegated from the Zurich Premiership if they lose to Newcastle on Saturday.

While speculation about a west country merger between Bath and Bristol Shoguns remains rife offering both clubs a possible Premiership lifeline Foley was in straight-talking mood.

As things stand at the moment, 1998 European champions Bath will relinquish their Premiership status if they do not beat Newcastle and Rotherham's promotion from National League One is sanctioned by Twickenham top brass.

It would prove an embarrassing and humiliating experience for Bath, who not only ruled Europe five years ago, but have a portfolio that also contains six English league titles and 10 knockout cup wins.

"My belief is that if we lose this weekend, then we will relegated," said former Australian Test hooker Foley.

"There are issues with Rotherham and of clubs possibly coming together, but all you know is that we need to win on Saturday.

"The focus for us is very simple we need to win. Getting a win against a Newcastle side that is full of confidence and on a roll, and according to Rob Andrew, coming here to get a bonus point so they qualify for the wildcard play-offs, adds to the challenge.

"We've had plenty of challenges this year, but probably none as great as this."

Foley is optimistic that Bath, who have won fewer games than any other Premiership team this season, can pick themselves up from last weekend's shattering 30-20 defeat against Bristol, when a league record 20,000-plus crowd packed Ashton Gate.

And they could have their midfield catalyst Mike Catt back on the field following his prolonged battle with hamstring trouble.

"We are well aware of where we are at in life, and we are well aware that we had an opportunity to have won a game last Sunday which would have taken us a long way away from trouble, but we didn't do that," Foley added.

"There were opportunities in that game, but we gave 10 turnovers away in the opposition 22, and that is a phenomenally bad statistic.

"Ultimately, we are all responsible. The fact is that this year we are responsible for where we are at, and we have one last opportunity this weekend to do something about it."

As for fly-half Catt's prospects, Foley said: "There is a chance that Mike will play. He ran with the team on Wednesday, and he finished the session, which is good news."

Making his last league appearance will be stalwart forward John Mallett.