Ospreys team to play Cardiff Blues

15 Dan Evans
14 Jeff Hassler
13 Ben John
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Eli Walker
10 Sam Davies
9 Rhys Webb
1 Nicky Smith
2 Sam Parry
3 Dmitri Arhip
4 Bradley Davies
5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
6 James King
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Dan Baker

REPLACEMENTS
16 Scott Baldwin
17 Paul James
18 Ma'afu Fia
19 Rory Thornton
20 Dan Lydiate
21 Tom Habberfield
22 Dan Biggar
23 Ashley Beck

Paul James will make his 200th Ospreys appearance if he comes off the bench

The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:
Tyler Ardron - Thumb
Hanno Dirksen - Knee
Sam Underhill - Shoulder
Owen Watkin - Knee

Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:

"We know that it's going to be tough this weekend but we are all looking forward to it. The Blues are coming down as favourites, they've had a great start to the season and will be confident of getting the win, so we understand that we have to stand up to them and really perform.

"It's building nicely to be a huge game, a big contest between local rivals in front of a passionate crowd, which is exactly what we want. It's the kind of occasion that Welsh rugby needs and that everybody wants to be involved in. With the Blues starting the season so well, they have shown what they are capable of and they will want to really push forward this weekend.

"We showed in the second half in Leinster and then for 80 minutes against Ulster that, if we get everything right that we need to, we can compete. It was incredibly disappointing to lose last weekend in the manner we did, but there's no better game to focus on and get a reaction from the squad than a huge derby match against the Blues.

"October is a busy month for us at the Liberty with two Welsh derbies and a home European Challenge Cup game next week so it's important that we kick start the month well with a top level performance on Friday night. If we can get the right mix of the defensive strength we showed in Ulster and the clinical attacking edge we have seen, then we'll be heading in the right direction and, Friday night should be a great contest."