Harlequins v Leeds: Teams
In-form Harlequins can draw level with the champions in the Super League standings with victory at the Stoop.
Last Updated: 19/06/09 2:56pm
In-form Harlequins can draw level with the champions in the Super League standings with victory at the Stoop on Saturday.
A 40-10 triumph over Hull KR last time out made it five wins out of six for the Londoners - a run which started with a 21-4 win at Headingley at the end of April.
Brian McDermott's side sits fourth in the standings as a result, just two points behind their opponents and they have come out on top in the last two meetings between the teams.
But the former Leeds assistant coach insists history counts for nothing heading into this fixture.
"The dangerous thing for us will be if we believe the last two games against Leeds have a bearing on Saturday," he said.
"Leeds won't come here looking for revenge; they want to recapture their best form.
"We have injuries at the moment, as do Leeds; but I'll be sending out my best team and I want to beat Leeds, there's no question about that."
Former Leeds academy player Luke Gale retains his place after impressing during last week's victory over Hull KR, while Danny Ward has been named for the first time since picking up a calf injury in round 13.
Second rower Chad Robinson and prop Gareth Haggerty are still not fit to return, though, and Luke Dorn has been ruled out for six weeks with a fractured fibula.
Captain Rob Purdham has pulled out of the match after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot in his hand - with former Leeds hooker Ben Kaye called in as a late replacement.
Issues
Leeds Rhinos have not enjoyed the best build up to the game in London, with news breaking that England international Lee Smith will not be renewing his contract at the end of the season.
Fellow England stars Danny McGuire, Jamie Peacock and Ryan Hall are back for Saturday's match at Quins, though.
All three missed last Sunday's dramatic 20-12 win over Huddersfield Giants because of their involvement in England's emphatic win over France in Paris the previous night.
Young winger Kallum Watkins retains his place in the squad after a two-try performance against the Giants, while Rob Burrow will continue his return from injury after making his comeback last Sunday.
Harlequins squad: Clubb, Gafa, Gale, Gardner, Golden, Heckenberg, Howell, Mbu, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Melling, Orr, Kaye, Randall, Sharp, Temata, Thompson, Ward, Wells, Williamson.
Leeds Rhinos squad: Webb, Donald, Smith, Senior, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Buderus, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Lauitiiti, Sinfield, Diskin, Bailey, Ablett, Burgess, Gibson, Watkins.