The Blue and Blacks have had a good start to the season but after defeat to Cross Keys last time out, Fowler is looking for a response in what is one of the oldest fixtures in club rugby.
“After a disappointing loss on Saturday we’ve been into training and really focused on this game. It’s a big challenge facing them and we all know the history of the Bristol and Cardiff derby so we’re looking to get back on track with a big performance at the Arms Park,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to the competition. It’s nice to be able to go to different grounds and play different sides. They all play different styles of rugby to the teams in the Welsh Premiership so it’s going to be a great chance to challenge ourselves.
“Luckily Bristol are on Sky Sports quite regularly and we’ve had a look at them. They’re a big bunch of boys and we’ve worked hard in training this week so hopefully we can catch them cold.
“We want to be successful in everything we do so hopefully we’ll get out of the group stages and make a better showing of ourselves later on. We’ve built in confidence as the season has gone on so we’ll look to push on in the cup and do as well as we can.”
For Bristol, Gaston Cortes makes his first start for the club and George Watkins returns to first team action as they make the trip over the Severn Bridge.
Liam Middleton makes five changes to the side to the side that lost to Rotherham last weekend.
Ryan Edwards comes into the backline and Watkins switches to full-back, while Jones and Tipuna continue their outside-half partnership.
Mark Lilley and Cortes are selected in a new-look front row combination and Redford Pennycook recovers from a head injury to start at openside flanker.
Rhys Lawrence and Matt Williams recover from knocks to return to the match day 22 and are named among the replacements.
