WORCESTER Warriors have picked their strongest possible team for their Challenge Cup round of 16 trip to Lyon on Friday evening at the Matmut Stadium de Gerland (8PM KO) BST).

It is a show of intent from boss Steve Diamond, who has had very little time to organise for the clash that was only officially confirmed last Sunday.

But despite a couple of injuries, Diamond is throwing everything he has at his disposal at a clash with the number one ranked side in the competition.

Harri Doel starts for Worcester for the first time in three months at full-back just an hour or so after being awarded try of the month for his solo effort against Exeter Chiefs five weeks ago.

He is one of just three changes to the side that were thrashed by Newcastle Falcons in the Gallagher Premiership earlier this month.

Tom Howe, who has scored six tries in eight appearances across all competitions this season, returns on the right wing with Alex Hearle switching to the left wing.

Lock Justin Clegg is recalled in the pack with Joe Batley moving from the second row to blindside flanker.

Scotland and British and Irish Lions loosehead prop Rory Sutherland will make his first appearance for Warriors in a European competition.

On the bench, flanker Sam Lewis returns to the matchday squad for the first time since he aggravated a dead leg injury at Sale Sharks two months ago.

Centre Seb Atkinson also comes back into the squad as a replacement having impressed in the Premiership Rugby Cup win at Bath two weeks ago.

Atkinson and back-row forward Jack Forsythe are both in line to make their European debuts.

Warriors | 15 Harri Doel, 14 Tom Howe, 13 Oli Morris, 12 Ashley Beck, 11 Alex Hearle, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Gareth Simpson, 1 Rory Sutherland, 2 Niall Annett, 3 Christian Judge, 4 Justin Clegg, 5 Graham Kitchener, 6 Joe Batley, 7 Ted Hill (C), 8 Sione Vailanu.

Replacements | 16 Isaac Miller, 17 Ethan Waller, 18 Murray McCallum, 19 Sam Lewis, 20 Jack Forsythe, 21 Will Chudley, 22 Billy Searle, 23 Seb Atkinson.