The Scarlets currently have nine senior squad players on international duty, a group of Scarlets academy and development players with Wales U20 and U18s, two with Wales Sevens and another 16 unavailable through injury.
The region has called on the services of a number of Llanelli regulars for this fixture as well as a core of development players within the Scarlets set-up.
Scarlets Head Coach Nigel Davies said: “It is a challenging time for us as we have a 38-man squad and most are out on international duties or injured, however the flip side of that is that we are handing opportunities to a lot of players who are eager to prove themselves and will take great pride in wearing the Scarlets jersey on Sunday.
“Equally we have to be mindful about balancing this fixture and player rotation given how few fit players we have in light of three crucial Magners League games we have coming up. We have Connacht away and then Ulster and Edinburgh at home, all of which are very important to our ambitions in the league.
“We know the Dragons will be looking for a big win to top their group and will have a strong side out on Sunday but a lot of these players will relish the chance to achieve in a highly competitive contest and from our point of view there can only be longer term benefits from playing the next generation of players in these types of encounters.
“We know Sunday will be a big ask, the contact area is going to be a massive part of it and it was a good lesson for our players last week against a very strong, physical Saracens side.”
Experienced Scarlets front rower, Phil John takes the captain’s armband again with former Wales tighthead Rhys Thomas back from injury. The Scarlets backs have plenty to offer in terms of pace and power with Dan Evans at full-back, Darren Daniel returns from Carmarthen Quins back to Scarlets colours on the wing, former Wales U20 star Scott Williams returns from injury at centre with Gareth Davies getting the scrum-half jersey.
Scarlets: Daniel Evans, Darren Daniel, Nick Reynolds, Scott Williams, Joe Ajuwa, Owen Williams, Gareth Davies, Phil John (capt), Rhys Lawrence, Rhys Thomas, Adam Powell, Nathan White, Aaron Shingler, Nic Cudd, Damian Welch.
Replacements: Craig Hawkins, Sean Hopkins, Dean Howells, Duane Eager, Mat Gilbert, Martin Roberts, Jonny Lewis, Rheon James.
