With Bath entertaining Leeds at the Recreation Ground 24 hours earlier, Quins could give themselves some much-needed breathing space.

But Scott knows that defeating the third-placed Exiles is a tough enough task in itself, without worrying about what happens to their relegation-threatened rivals.

‘One of my favourite sayings is control the controllable,’’ said Scott.

‘‘London Irish are a powerful side whose ball retention skills are probably the best in the league.

‘‘They have some tremendous players and we will face a hard, physical battle if we are to get the win we so desperately need.’’

Ace Tiatia and Paul Burke have both recovered from injuries and should start for the visitors, whose last trip to the Madejski Stadium saw them capture the European Shield nearly 12 months ago.

Exiles coach Brendan Venter has made his usual front-row reshuffle, drafting back Neal Hatley, Richard Kirke and Simon Halford following the midweek win over Bath.

At such a vital time, Scott is not expecting the game to be a classic.

‘‘We are confident we can get enough points in our four remaining games to gain sufficient points to ensure at least 11th place in the table,’’ he said.

‘‘I apologise in advance if it is not pretty at times but our situation demands a pragmatic approach.

‘‘Wins are all that count and how they are achieved does not matter in the slightest.’’

New Saracens coach Greg Smith faces a tough baptism against resurgent Wasps at Vicarage Road.

The visitors have defeated Leicester and Gloucester on their last two outings and if they can maintain that form will be looking to secure an unlikely Heineken Cup berth next term.

Scotland winger Kenny Logan returns in place of Shane Roiser, while hooker Phil Greening starts for the first time since December, with Trevor Leota dropped to the bench.

Smith will not finalise his selection until shortly before kick-off, but at just five points clear of bottom spot his side are not yet clear of the relegation dogfight.

Full-back Adryan Winnan may have to be content with a place on the bench, but Darragh O’Mahony is set to start on the wing.

‘‘We feel good as a unit and training has gone well but we know we have to step up our performances and turn our opportunities into points,’’ said Tim Horan, who could continue at fly-half.

‘‘This is our last home game before the final match of the season and we have to perform.’’