Tipuric will pack down alongside new recruit Ieuan Jones, who will make his Liberty Stadium bow after agreeing a one-month loan from Cardiff Blues.
The Lions open-side has not featured for his region since suffering concussion in Ospreys’ Thomond Park triumph over Munster last month.
Ospreys have suffered a back-row crisis after Joe Bearman was sidelined with a groin injury and Morgan Allen hurt his ankle.
That has given back-row prospect Jordan Collier the chance to make his debut from the bench, with second-row Rory Thornton in-line for his first Ospreys action.
The hosts are looking to maintain their unbeaten record in the league against Pat Lam’s side, but face a tough task against a side who have won four of their six PRO12 matches this season.
New recruit Bundee Aki will make his first appearance in a Connacht jersey at Liberty Stadium, starting in a midfield partnership with Craig Ronaldson.
Ireland squad trio Kieran Marmion, Rodney Ah You and Darragh Leader have all been temporarily released from the international training camp to play a part in tomorrow’s league game with Marmion and Ah You included in the starting XV.
Wing Matt Healy and outhalf Jack Carty are both recalled to the backline while 22-year-old Shane Layden is given the nod at fullback for his second start of the season.
Celebrating his 24th birthday today, lock Quinn Roux returns to the pack while the Galway-born duo of John Muldoon (captain) and Eoin McKeon are named in the back row.
Ospreys Head Coach Steve Tandy said: “This time of the year is always a tough period, with international call-ups and injuries stretching the squad depth and that’s the case again this season. Saying that, it’s an exciting time when we get to see some of the young talent coming through the ranks, and get to see them stepping up in training and on matchday alongside some of the senior Ospreys.
“Expectation is always high on anyone wearing the Ospreys jersey, internally more so than externally. The boys coming into the group have been made well aware of the standards they need to reach during this month and what is expected of them. We’ve made a very promising start in the PRO12 and the onus is on these boys to build on that, starting on Friday.”
