With a defeat of Harlequins and a home draw with Racing Metro, the Scarlets head to France in confident mood. Clermont though, boast a 67-match unbeaten home record.
Head coach Simon Easterby said: “It is a real challenge but one that the team is ready and up for. Our history in Europe against French teams shows we can cause an upset.
“The camp is in a good frame of mind and energy and spirits are running high after a good week’s training.”
On the home side’s unbeaten run, he added: “It’s unquestionably one of the best home records of any sporting team in the world. It’s a phenomenal place to go and play rugby, Clermont at home are pretty difficult to beat.
“I think you have to go there with a positive mind-set, if you go there trying to avoid a beating then that’s exactly what you’ll get. We’ve worked hard this week on things we can get right in our game but also working hard to prevent their momentum.
“We’re really positive about going there, it’s a phenomenal challenge but records are there to be broken. It’s a great contest for the players and for us as a young coaching group and a fantastic opportunity for us all to be a part of.”
The Scarlets are currently at the top of Pool Four with six points.
Wales hooker Emyr Phillips will lead the side with centre Jonathan Davies, back-row Rob McCusker and prop Phil John on the sidelines with injuries.
Liam Williams, Scott Williams, Rhys Priestland and Samson Lee return to the starting line-up with Ken Owens and new Wales cap Rhodri Williams named on the replacements bench.
Nick Reynolds partners Scott Williams at centre with captain Davies out through injury as well as Gareth Maule.
There is no place in the squad for tighthead Rhodri Jones who started three of Wales’ four Tests in the Dove Men Series. Â
