European title holders Leinster arrive at the Ricoh Arena needing victory to secure a home quarter-final as Pool One winners.
In contrast, Wasps are resigned to propping up the group after losing four of their five games.
They were among five English clubs - being joined by Bath, Gloucester, Leicester and Newcastle - to be eliminated before this weekend's final round of pool fixtures.
Wasps never recovered from a 52-3 drubbing against Leinster in Dublin three months ago, which underlined the Irish side's quality.
"It's certainly a tough prospect, facing what is effectively the Irish national team just before the Six Nations," Wasps rugby director Young said.
"They will all be vying to impress to earn the green jersey in the coming weeks, and they will want to do the job for Leinster.
"We need to make sure we are somewhere near our best, or else it could be a tough day, and we certainly don't want that at home against any opposition.
"Leinster are a quality team, as we saw in Dublin.
"We were in that game for 45 minutes, but then they changed gear and we couldn't live with that. We certainly don't want a repeat of that.
"You have got to keep hold of the ball and you can't switch off as they've got guys that can hurt you from anywhere on the field.
"You don't want them getting an early lead and getting momentum, as they are very hard to turn around."
England international Elliot Daly is restored to Wasps' starting line-up, lining up on the wing, with Michele Campagnaro and Gaby Lovobalavu forging the midfield partnership.
But flanker Thomas Young, who was named in Wales' Six Nations squad earlier this week, is absent after suffering a knock to his shoulder.
Leinster, meanwhile, welcome back Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, with prop Jack McGrath and lock Devin Toner also gaining starts and a fit-again Sean O'Brien on replacement duty.
Toulouse will join Leinster in the quarter-finals if they see off visitors Bath on Sunday.
Bath are without Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau, who has broken his arm for a second time this season, but England centre Jonathan Joseph makes a first appearance of the season after being sidelined by a foot injury.
