Cardiff coach Dai Young, who saw his side outplayed by Biarritz last weekend, has made eight changes as the Blue and Blacks starting XV in an attempt to restore some pride after the 75-25 defeat.
Wales international duo Martyn Williams and Rhys Williams come into the line-up after being unavailable for selection with injuries last weekend.
Other changes made by Young see lock Adam Jones and loosehead prop John Yapp come into the side, and Richard Smith playing at scrum half alongside Iesytn Harris. Peter Rogers will start at hooker and Canadian flanker Dan Baugh moves to No.8.
Cardiff are unable to select John Tait, Emyr Lewis, Rob Appleyard, Pieter Muller, Lewis Collins, Ken Fourie, Gary Powell, Ryan Powell and Andrew Lewis, and must rely of the depth of their squad to see them through.
Swansea, who pushed Montferrand close in their final Heineken Cup match last week, can call on the services of Wales international fullback Kevin Morgan. Morgan, who has had been suffering with knee problems throughout the season, will be looking forward to his match up with Williams as competition hots up for a place in Steve Hansen’s Six Nations squad.
Swansea will announce later in the day if Scott Gibbs or Steve Winn will don the number 12 shirt, and whether John Slade and James Griffiths will start at lock.
Swansea skipper Darren Morris knows that despite Cardiff’s poor European form, they are not to be underestimated. Speaking on the official Swansea website (www.swansearfc.co.uk) he said: ‘They have struggled for results so far this season but they have some quality players throughout their team.
‘Games between Swansea and Cardiff are still huge occasions.’
Last season at St. Helens Swansea narrowly won 24-20.
Tonight’s match kicks-off at 7:05 and is live on BBC2 Wales.
Swansea: K Morgan; J Vaughton, M Taylor, S Gibbs/ S Winn, S Payne; A Thomas, R Jones; D Morris (capt), C Balshen, B Evans, J Thomas, J Slade/J Griffths/ A Farley, C Charvis, J Bater,D Thomas.
Cardiff: R Williams; N Walne, J Robinson, M Allen, C Morgan; I Harris, R Smith;J Yapp, P Rogers, T Payne, H Senekal, A Jones, D McShane, D Baugh, M Williams (capt).
Replacements: A Jones, G Woods, Luke Tait, R Sowden-Taylor, D Dewdney, N Robinson, A Sullivan.
Referee: Paul Adams.
Out – Cardiff: JPRE MATCH FACTS:
Previous league meetings: Swansea 12-10.
Last season: Cardiff 25 Swansea 13; Swansea 24 Cardiff 20.
Results in Premiership this season.
Swansea – L13-16; W20-19; W23-14; L9-16; L23-45.
Cardiff – L10-12; W34-6; L3-34.
Top points scorers this season in all competitions.
Swansea – Arwel Thomas 150. Cardiff – Iestyn Harris – 121.
Form guide: Cardiff have lost all four matches this year. Swansea are 8-3 ahead on league wins at St Helen’s. The first atch between the two clubs took place 127 years ago.
