Ulster have charged out of the RaboDirect Pro12 blocks this season with three wins from their opening three games however that record is matched by their Welsh rivals.

As a result of their winning start McLaughlin has barely shuffled his pack for the trip to Wales, making just one change to the starting XV with Luke Marshall recalled to replace crocked centre Darren Cave.

While their early-season form counts in their favour the recent history books don't smile on Ulster whose only defeat in their last nine matches against Welsh opponents was in this equivalent game at Liberty Stadium last season.

Despite that boss McLaughlin is feeling bullish about his side's chances in South Wales.

"They have won all their games so far this season too so it will be another tough game for us," said McLaughlin.

"If we play as well as we have been I see no reason why we can't get another win and that would put us in a really strong position. We lost by a point to them last season so there's no doubt it will be another big challenge for us."

For the Ospreys, whose only reversal in their last 14 home games in all competitions was 20-22 to Munster on April 23, it will be a momentous afternoon for Jonathan Thomas who celebrates his 150th appearance for the welsh region.

Scott Johnson's side made hard work of beating Treviso last weekend, eventually winning 32-27, and the director of coaching is only too aware of the improvements needed for the visit of Ulster.

"Ulster will no doubt bring plenty of confidence with them after their good start to the season," said Johnson - who has handed prop Aaron Jarvis, hooker Scott Baldwin and flanker James Goode their first RaboDirect Pro12 starts.

"They have recruited well over the summer. Jared Payne in particular is a good signing who will bring something different to the table for them, and I'm expecting them to be there challenging on all fronts year after a good season last time.

"We saw from their performance against the Blues last week that they play good rugby and have a cutting edge, so we know that it's going to be a difficult afternoon.

"For our part, we need to lift our all round performance up a couple of notches from where we were last weekend against Treviso. Yes, we got another win to make it three from three but we rode our luck at times, particularly in the first half."

At Liberty Stadium, 4.30pm.
Referee: Dudley Phillips (IRFU, 18th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Sean Brickell, Martyn Lewis (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Dennis Jones (WRU)
TMO: Huw Lewis (WRU)

Live on S4C