The PRO12 table-topping Ospreys host the Scarlets a day after the Cardiff Blues take-on the Newport Gwent Dragons at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.
The Swansea region were the only unbeaten side at Europe’s top-table after one round of Champions Cup action, but their red-hot start was extinguished last month, when they failed to win in six matches. But after a raft of injuries and absentees, they got their PRO12 assault back on-track with a 31-20 triumph over Ulster at home.
The Scarlets also beat the Irish side at fortress Parc Y Scarlets in Champions Cup round four, but they have struggled on their travels. They are unbeaten in the league at home since boxing day 2013, but have not won away since February.
They will be desperate to get one over on their rivals having lost both of the festive clashes last season. Steve Tandy’s men were the last side to claim a PRO12 win at Parc Y Scarlets with a 10-6 triumph and they backed that up with a 17-12 win to kick-off.
Tevita Cavubati could be thrown into action after signing for the Ospreys until the end of the season. They could also have evergreen front-rower Duncan Jones and back-row man Morgan Allen back for at least the second leg of the double header.
Ospreys coach Gruff Rees said: “The Scarlets have added power to their game. Their driving game, set-piece and scrum have vastly improved over the last 18 months.
“They have dangerous players, they created opportunities against the Blues. They have Scott Williams and Liam Williams who is set to come back in, and Rhys Priestland is moving really well.”
Scarlets back-row Rob McCusker said: “It’s been longer than I care to remember since we beat the Ospreys, but we are always optimistic, despite the fact that it didn’t go particularly well against the Blues last weekend. This game is a bit closer to our hearts and we are just keen to get back out, put things right and get a much-needed win over our local rivals.”
