By Rob Hodgetts

Dallaglio (left) and Dawson will need to be at their best against Toulouse

Wasps coach Ian McGeechan insisted there is still all to play for when his side meet Toulouse in the Heineken Cup.

The English champions have struggled away from home in Europe and must win both their last two games to have a chance of reaching the last eight.

"Toulouse are the best side in Europe, so going there is the biggest challenge we can face," McGeechan told BBC Sport.

"But there's still an outside chance we can qualify. It's a tight group - it's not difficult to see another upset."

Heineken Cup tables

Wasps, who beat the then holders Toulouse to win the title in 2004, opened this season's campaign with a surprise 32-31 defeat in Edinburgh.

They followed up with a 15-15 draw at home to defending champions Toulouse before suffering a further loss on the road to Llanelli Scarlets, avenged at home a week later.

Wasps trail group leaders Toulouse by eight points but three straight victories domestically since have seen McGeechan's men back to the top of the Premiership alongside Sale.

There's no doubt it will be one of our hardest physical tests Wasps coach Ian McGeechan

But the proposition of facing Toulouse in front of 37,000 fans in their own back yard for the first time to keep their Cup hopes alive presents a sterner challenge.

"It's a big ask and a very big game for the club," said McGeehan.

"We're disappointed with the away games we've had in Europe and after the first Llanelli game we took a very hard look at ourselves.

"We've been pretty consistent over the last month - we're looking after the ball better and kicking better.

"We're going to have to be at our best to be competitive on Saturday but that's what we want to be about, in that arena, in that competition.

"It'll be very different from the day-to-day atmospheres we get in England. It will be noisy, very patriotic and there won't be very many quiet moments.

"But if we get a win, and that's the priority, not chasing a bonus point, it keeps the pool open until the last weekend."

It's this sort of game that really excites Wasps coach Ian McGeechan

Toulouse will be able to recall club and country captain Fabien Pelous, who is free to resume playing after a nine-week ban imposed for foul play in the Test against Australia.

Wales captain Gareth Thomas is also likely to start for the French side after shaking off a knee strain.

"They have internationals right through," said McGeechan. "They're good all around. Weaknesses at this level are just comparative strengths.

"The quality of rugby they play and the way they play is very challenging.

"There's no doubt it will be one of our hardest physical tests. That's why they are such a dangerous side.

"They have a very good group of forwards who are very physical and very quick backs who can play off them and with them.

"But these are the things you should enjoy as a coach and a player. It's this sort of game that really excites."

Wasps must also play Edinburgh at home on 21 January, while Toulouse's last match is in Wales against the Scarlets, who share eight points with the Londoners.