London Irish came off a clear second best in last weekend's clash with leaders Northampton © Getty Images

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Matches: London Irish 14 - 23 Leicester Tigers

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: Leicester Tigers | London Irish

It's second versus third as London Irish host a seemingly rejuvenated Leicester Tigers at the Madejski Stadium in Reading on Saturday afternoon.

The Exiles are reeling after suffering a 35-23 defeat by table toppers Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens last weekend. Irish were outclassed on the day - the scoreline flattered them as the game was as good as over at half-time - and they will be desperate to bounce back this weekend.

The Tigers have won two on the bounce after a dreadful run of results but both of those victories came on home soil and this weekend they are going in search of their first away win of the season - at the fifth attempt.

London Irish - Player to Watch: It is a shame that injury has ruled Toby Flood out of the game as it would have been fascinating to see how Ryan Lamb fared against the England No.10. As it is, though, Lamb will be determined to turn in another eye-catching display as he attempts to rekindle his international career.

London Irish - Team News: The Exiles are buoyed by the availability of Samoa's Sailosi Tagicakibau, who has been out of action since October through injury. He will start on the bench alongside his compatriot Seilala Mapusua. There is a start, though, for their international colleague George Stowers. There are also recalls for Richard Thorpe, David Paice, Faan Rautenbach and Kieran Roche in a revamped pack.

Leicester Tigers - Player to Watch: England's Ben Youngs didn't have the most enjoyable of outings against the Springboks last weekend so expect the dynamic scrum-half to be well up for this one.

Leicester Tigers - Team News: The Tigers welcome back international stars Geordan Murphy, who reclaims the captain's armband, Alesana Tuilagi, Youngs, Marcos Ayerza and Dan Cole. In addition, Martin Castrogiovanni has been named on the bench but both Tom Croft (shoulder) and Toby Flood (concussion) have been ruled out. Jeremy Staunton is fit again and has been named among the replacements.

Key Battle: Exiles boss Toby Booth has already stated that he believes the breakdown will be key and feels that the appointment of international referee Dave Pearson will suit his side. That may or not be the case but while the loss of Tom Croft is undoubtedly a setback for the Tigers, in Thomas Waldrom, Craig Newby and Jordan Crane they visitors boast a back-row trio that should prove more than capable of putting it up to their Irish counterparts.

Trivia: Leicester are one of only three teams to have lost all their away games this season, with the others being Newcastle and Leeds.

Stats: The Exiles have won only one of their last five meetings with Leicester - but that solitary victory came in the equivalent fixture last season.

Quote Unquote:

"We're pleased to be playing at home in front of a good crowd this week. Leicester has always provided a tough challenge. However, we won the same fixture last year so have a lot of belief in our ability to do the same again on Saturday." - London Irish head coach Toby Booth

"If we can win at Irish that will cement us in the top four, but if we lose we could slip out of the top places, so it is a big game for us." - Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill on the significance of this weekend's encounter

Fantasy: Ryan Lamb of London Irish is the top-scoring fly-half so far this season in our ESPNscrum Fantasy Game, with 89 points.

Prediction: Given that the Exiles have won all their home games this season and Leicester have yet to triumph on the road, there appears to be only one possible outcome. It will be close, though, but ultimately the absence of Leicester duo Flood and Croft will prove crucial. Narrow win for Irish.