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The former England flyer last played in January when he suffered a shoulder injury in the quarter-final second leg victory over Montauban. However, the player is back to full fitness and is relishing the prospect of getting back into the thick of the action on Saturday.
"I am sure that I will find it difficult at first with familiarising with the running lines, and my match fitness will not be great, but I can't wait to get back."
"Although I have been extremely unfortunate in having three operations within the space of a year, I have had a long rest and that should be beneficial to me. I will be nervous as I don't want to get injured again, but I have to be confident and do what I do best."
There are a few changes to the squad that lost 38-30 in the first leg at Vicarage Road. Returning to the squad alongside Balshaw will be Mike Tindall, who has recovered from a foot injury. Andy Lloyd drops out through injury, whilst hooker Jonathan Humphreys is suspended for the game.
Coaches Mike Foley and Brian Smith have been pleased with the preparations ahead of the big game and are confident that their side can overcome the eight-point deficit on home turf.
"I think that you need to concentrate on doing things well and not worry about the points difference," said Foley. "We need to get on the front foot, break the advantage line, and retain possession as we did in the second leg of the matches against Bridgend and Montauban."
The match will be Gavin Thomas's 100th appearance for Bath Rugby since joining from Bridgend in 1999. The Wales international flanker has started 66 matches for the blue, black and whites and has also come on as a replacement 33 times.
Coach Mike Foley was full of praise for his back row star. "Gavin has made impressive strides forward this season, particularly in his consistency over the full eighty minutes of a game. He has a strong desire to do well for Bath Rugby and also aspires to play representative rugby for Wales. He has achieved both this season on the back of his very mature and detailed approach to games."
"All the team will be right behind Gavin when he runs out for his 100th appearance against Saracens on Saturday."
Bath report ticket sales in excess of 8000.
Bath Rugby: I Balshaw; E Seveali'i, K Maggs, M Tindall, M Perry; O Barkley, G Cooper; D Barnes, A Long, J Mallett, S Borthwick, D Grewcock (capt), A Beattie, G Thomas, N Thomas
Replacements; R Blake, M Stevens, A Galasso, T Voyce, C Malone, J Scaysbrook, G Delve
