Williams: Returns from injury

Harlequins retain the likes of Sam Smith, Robert Stegmann, Joe Marler and Luke Wallace - but the focus is very much on experimentation for the hosts.

Tom Williams returns from injury at full back, colossal prop James Johnston is handed a chance and Rory Clegg and Richard Bolt form a half-back partnership for the first time this season.

London Irish, meanwhile, make six changes to the side that beat Worcester in the Premiership last weekend.

David Paice and Chris Hala'ufia make way for James Buckland and Alex Gray respectively, while Paul Hodgson and Adrian Jarvis take over the half-back reins.

Irish head coach Toby Booth said: "The LV=Cup presents a great opportunity to continue the momentum we have gained in the Premiership. It is a tournament we will be taking seriously and want to do well in."

Harlequins: Williams, Stegmann, Urdapilleta, Casson, Smith, Clegg, Bolt; Marler, Brooker, Johnston, Twomey, Matthews, Wallace, Skinner, York.

Replacements: Buchanan, Lambert, Sinckler, Merrick, Trayfoot, Lindsay Hague, Hopper, Walker.

London Irish: Homer, Ojo, Spratt, Armitage, Thompstone, Jarvis, Hodgson; Lahiff, Buckland, Rautenbach, Kennedy (captain), Evans, Danaher, Gibson, Gray.

Replacements: Blaney, George, Ion, Sisi, Thorpe, Ansbro, Shingler, Samson.