The Wales skipper, who made a substitute appearance on his return to Cardiff against Connacht in the Magners League a fortnight ago, has been named at inside centre for the clash at the Arms Park (kick-off 7.10pm).
Thomas is one of nine changes from that late win against the Irishmen with a completely new look back row containing captain Xavier Rush, Robin Sodwen-Taylor and Maama Molitika while Rhys Thomas starts for the first time and is joined by Gary Powell in the front row.
In the backs Jamie Roberts returns to the wing and Jason Spice and Nicky Robinson both return to the team to form a new half back partnership.
Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, David Young, said: “Sale are one of the strongest teams in the English league and we know they will come here to play some attractive rugby.
“They have some real star players that can cause us problems if we are not right. If we can get a performance like we did against Gloucester at the start of the season we can get the result.”
The Blues follow up their match against Kingsley Jones’s side with two trips to England to face champions Leicester Tigers and Bath.
Cardiff Blues:
15. Ben Blair
14. Tom James
13. Tom Shanklin
12. Gareth Thomas
11. Jamie Roberts
10. Nicky Robinson
9. Jason Spice
8. Xavier Rush (Capt)
7. Robin Sowden-Taylor
6. Maama Molitka
5. Paul Tito
4. Deiniol Jones
3. Gary Powell
2. T Rhys Thomas
1. Gethin Jenkins
Replacements:
16. John Yapp
17. Gareth Williams
18. Robert Sidoli
19. Ben White
20. Richie Rees
21. Nick Macleod
22. Rhys Williams
