The clubs have clashed in the Foster’s Challenge Cup on the two previous weekends, with Ponty triumphant on both occasions – by 32-16 at home and 30-44 away – whilst the final fixture of three will be in the Principality Premiership.
Reigning champions Pontypridd currently lie third in the table following a poor run of form back in November, and will seek to gain a high profile win in the festive derby against eighth placed Cardiff.
The composition of the Pontypridd match-day squad has been altered by an influx of returning regional players from British & Irish Cup duty.
Pontypridd: 15.Geraint Walsh. 14.Alex Webber. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Dafydd Lockyer – cpt. 11.Owen Jenkins. 10.Lewis K Williams. 9.Tomos Williams; 1.Bradley Thyer. 2.Huw Dowden. 3.Keiron Assiratti. 4.Hemi Barnes. 5.Chris Dicomidis. 6.Dafi Davies. 7.Rhys Shellard. 8.Dan Godfrey.
Replacements: 16.Lloyd Williams. 17.Ceri Sweeney. 18.Adam Thomas. 19.Ashleigh James. 20.Owen Sheppeard. 21.Shaun O’Rourke. 22.Corey Domachowski. 23.Mitchell Auger.
Club officials are hopeful that the Pontypridd v Cardiff match will go ahead as scheduled. A dry spell with strong winds is forecast overnight into Christmas Day and likewise on Boxing Day morning, albeit with periods of further heavy rain in between.
A pitch inspection will be carried out at Sardis Road on Saturday morning when the decision to play or not will be made, with the outcome posted on this website and social media.
