Dave Walder has been passed fit to start for London Wasps in this weekend's clash with London Irish © Getty Images

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Matches: Wasps 33 - 25 London Irish

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: London Irish | Wasps

Grounds: Adams Park

London Irish will be out to solidify their position at the top of the Aviva Premiership table when they travel to Adams Park to take on Wasps on Sunday afternoon.

The Exiles have been in scintillating form this season, having already scored over 200 points (206 to be precise) and amassed six wins from seven games thus far. Even in their sole defeat, against Bath, they managed to pick up a losing bonus point.

Wasps, by contrast, have been maddeningly inconsistent, as their record of three wins, three losses and a draw confirms. However, a win over the Premiership leaders would put a whole new complexion on their campaign and they will take heart from the fact that Irish have been beaten in their last two outings, although in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

London Wasps - Player to Watch: In a boost for the home side, Dave Walder has recovered from a knee injury and reclaims the No.10 jersey from Mark Van Gisbergen, who reverts to his preferred position of fullback. Wasps need a composed and influential display from Walder if they are to have any chance of derailing the Exiles.

London Wasps - Team News: Centre Ben Jacobs, fly-half Walder and scrum-half Joe Simpson all return from injury, while lock Simon Shaw has been released from international duty. Elsewhere, Joe Ward takes over from the crocked Rob Webber at hooker.

London Irish - Player to Watch: After his cruelly-timed shin injury, Steffon Armitage will be desperately hoping to show England boss Martin Johnson that he is already back to full fitness and worthy of a place in his future plans.

London Irish - Team News: Irish boss Toby Booth has been able to recall loose-head prop Clarke Dermody, lock Bob Casey, winger Topsy Ojo, scrum-half Paul Hodgson, fly-half Ryan Lamb and blindside flanker Kieran Roche for the trip to Wycombe.

Key Battle: The lineout will be key. In Casey and Nick Kennedy the Exiles have one of the best second-row pairings in the league. Wasps are buoyed by the availability of Shaw but he and James Cannon will have their work cut out in attempting to get the better of Casey and Kennedy in the air.

Trivia: The last four meetings between these two sides have been won by the home side.

Stats: London Irish have won just once in nine previous visits to Adams Park.

Quote Unquote:

"We are under no illusions about how competitive Sunday's game will be, but home games and the performances we put on in front of our home supporters are hugely important to the team. We're still feeling the aftermath of the Northampton and Exeter games and the emotions experienced after those games are powerful motivation for us going forward." - London Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks is looking forward to the visit of the Aviva Premiership leaders

"We're looking forward to a game with some free flowing, quick ball which allows opportunities for attack. As winter conditions start to come into play dominance in the set-piece will also be key in pressurising defences in order to get the rewards." - London Irish head coach Toby Booth is excited about his side's return to domestic action

Fantasy: Scott Hamilton and Nick Macleod are the only two outside backs to have scored more points than London Irish winger Topsy Ojo in this season's ESPNscrum Fantasy Game.

Prediction: It's been difficult to know what to expect from Wasps this season but it would be a surprise if they did not rise to the challenge facing them this weekend. However, Exiles boss Toby Booth made good use of his squad during the Anglo-Welsh Cup break so expect their refreshed and rejuvenated side to come out on top at Adams Park. Away win.