Ryan was not impressed by Meehan's changes (Getty)

The clubs, who are first and second in the Premiership, meet on Friday.

However, Bath's defeat at Wasps after making 11 changes means there is now daylight between the West Country rivals at the top of the table.

"I'd never rest players I thought would mean I couldn't win a game. I can't send a side out which I don't think can win. I'd never do that," Ryan said.

Bath's 25-10 reverse to Wasps means they are now five points off Gloucester in first place.

And they will need a bonus-point win by at least 26 points while denying their visitors four tries if they are going to bridge the gap at the Rec on Friday evening.

Head coach Steve Meehan claimed there was no "grand scheme" behind the rotation between the Leeds win and Wasps defeat which saw seven internationals drop out.

Hooker Lee Mears and half-backs Michael Claasens and Butch James sat out the trip to Adams Park, while skipper Steve Borthwick and Olly Barkley were on the bench.

But Meehan, who blamed the impact of Christmas for the overhaul of the team, will be reverting to his strongest possible XV for Friday.

"We'll be making changes, obviously," he told BBC Radio Bristol.

Gloucester's going to be the match that we're focusing on putting our full-strength side out and getting back on a winning track Bath's Nick Abendanon

"We have a short turn around and we've got to bring guys back who didn't play as a result of a few little niggles and bits and pieces, but I'm sure that they'll be fighting fit for the weekend.

"And we can get some good work in in the beginning of the week because a number of players will be nice and fresh."

Full-back Nick Abendanon, who survived the cull, added: "Around this Christmas period it's a pretty hectic time with three games in a short period.

"And playing the same team week-in, week-out with such a long season can also take its toll so we've got players throughout the squad who can easily step in and step up.

"Obviously Gloucester's a big derby clash and they're on top of their game.

"That's going to be the match that we're focusing on putting our full-strength side out and getting back on a winning track."

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The strength in depth in Ryan's squad is the envy of most coaches in the Premiership and the Cherry and Whites boast a host of big names following a summer splurge on new talent.

But former England international Simon Halliday, who is a non-executive director at Bath, has questioned the transparency of Gloucester's recruiting process.

"The salary cap has not been dealt with and I'm going to engage the game about how we go forward with a level playing field," the Rugby Football Union Council and Club England member told the Guardian.

"Bath have been at a massive disadvantage because it has adhered to the rules.

"I know who has broken them and I probably know by how much.

"When we play Gloucester at home we are up against a team which is significantly better financed than Bath. I do not propose to allow that to happen any longer."