Arriving at Kingsholm to hear Graham Spring's announcement that regular 'sick notes', Olly Morgan and James Simpson-Daniel would not be playing did nothing to allay fears that the Cherry and Whites would be facing another defeat.
Compounded by further news just before kick-off that Nicky Robinson had pulled out did nothing to inspire confidence that an injury ravaged Gloucester side. also missing their internationals, would be strong enough to contain even a depleted Leicester team severly robbed by the Autumn internationals.
However the home side put in a spirited rousing performance which confounded the critics to take the spoils and outplay the Tigers for long periods, especially in the second half.
Once again it was another game littered with mistakes but on this occasion it was the visitors who made the more errors as Gloucester raised their game to put pressure on their opponents and deservedly win a game which for once was more entertaining than the score would suggest.
No tries but no lack of honest endeavour, especially from the Gloucester pack who produced a Herculean effort, as once again the ever-improving Dave Attwood caught the eye with another robust showing.
The line-out functioned well with Premiership debutant Darren Dawiduk performing efficiently and the scrum was rock solid and able to put pressure on the Tiger's pack.
Leicester took an early lead through a Jeremy Staunton penalty and it looked as though high-flyers from the top of the table would coast to a win over the Cherry and Whites which would commit them to further anguish at the wrong end of the league.
However as the match unfolded Gloucester established a grip on procedings and Leicester's visits to their opponents' territory became less as the game unfolded.
Freddie Burns put in a very good performance to secure a couple of penalties and a drop goal to edge the hosts in front 9-6 at half-time with Jeremy Staunton replying for the Tigers.
The forward-dominated exchanges determined few try-scoring chances, although Lesley Vainikolo did go close with a strong run.
Gloucester's pack always had the measure of their opponents especially in the second-half when they put them under the cosh for long periods but despite pressure were unable to secure a score other than a sharp drop-goal from Freddie Burns.
Burns appeared to suffer from severe cramp and was replaced by Carlos Spencer, before Leicester lost full-back Scott Hamilton to the sin-bin for killing the ball.
Dave Lewis made a couple of sharp breaks that looked destined to provide a try but became isolated and the chances were lost.
After having missed a couple of earlier penalty attempts, Leicester came to life in the final five minutes but determined defence from Gloucester kept them at bay.