Slade made his first appearance of the season in Exeter's defeat by Harlequins on Sunday having undergone shoulder surgery, completing 55 minutes before being withdrawn.
That run out is deemed enough to give him the nod ahead of the in-form Alex Lozowski, with the Chiefs playmaker an influential figure in the team's aggressive 'blitz' defensive system.
The three-way battle at scrum-half has been won by Ben Spencer, who will make his first start for England having won all six previous caps in a five-year Test career off the bench.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Unstoppable Ugarte finding his feet with standout showing in derby
BRUNO Fernandes described Manuel Ugarte as 'unstoppable' after the Manchester derby.
Rashford seeks a new challenge - but Amorim will have to replace him...
THE January transfer window is a fortnight away from opening - and United face a mammoth month following Ruben Amorim's first few weeks in charge.
Pep must rediscover spark to motivate City squad that has already made history
BOSS HAS TO FIND TARGET TO GALVANISE PLAYERS
Guardiola has seen greats come and go but this rebuild will be his toughest yet
AS Christmas comes into view City will be hoping for a couple of presents in the January transfer window.
Stokes will never hold himself back
ENGLAND captain Ben Stokes promised there will be no \"holding back\" when he recovers from his latest injury problems, insisting he is ready to keep digging deep for his country.
Station will close to allow £10m upgrades
NO TRAINS WILL CALL FOR TWO MONTHS NEXT YEAR
'His death could have easily been avoided'
FIRM FINED AFTER CONNOR CRUSHED TO DEATH
Crooked ex-bank boss to learn his fate after £100,000 fraud
A SENTENCING date has been set for a former Co-op bank boss who admitted a catalogue of fraud worth almost £100,000.
Ex-detective is banned from policing after cocaine shame
A POLICE detective quit the force after a routine drugs test revealed traces of cocaine in her urine.
Please, Swear!
SCHOOL STAFF ACCIDENTALLY RECORD FOUR-LETTER COMMENTS ABOUT PUPILS