New boy Dan Lydiate is set to make his debut from the replacements bench on Saturday evening with Tandy naming an unchanged starting XV.

The Wales flanker arrives at an Ospreys side looking to bounce back from their 18-14 loss to Racing Metro in Le Mans last weekend.

The Welshmen have nevertheless won their last seven PRO12 matches at Liberty Stadium since Munster were the visitors in February.

But Ospreys have beaten Ulster just once in their last six encounters - 16-12 in Belfast in February 2013.

And Tandy knows his new side must put their recent home run to good use if they are to improve upon that record.

"It's really tight in the top half of the table, so back to back home games gives us an opportunity to build some momentum," he said.

"To do that, we've got to step up another level this weekend in terms of accuracy and being clinical when we create opportunities.

"We know the pride in the jersey and the commitment levels will be there, that's a given with this group, but that accuracy and attention to detail will lead to winning performances.

"This young group is learning every week and the experience they are getting will prove invaluable for their long-term development."

Ulster are fourth in the PRO12, level on points with second-placed Ospreys and a point behind leaders Munster.

Their last six league matches have all been won by the home side on the day whilst their only away win in any tournament since May came in Cardiff on September 19 - also their only victory in Wales since October 2013.

And head coach Neil Doak has made two changes to the starting XV that lost narrowly to Scarlets in Llanelli last weekend.

Craig Gilroy has been swapped out for Michael Allen, who is named on the left wing, while Andrew Warwick celebrates his first senior contract with a start in the loose.

And Doak admits his side will have to be at the their very best if they are to threaten the Welsh outfit's impressive home record.

"Ospreys are a quality side. We played them a couple of weeks ago and it was a tough game," he said.

"When you are playing another top-four side, it is just like a big European game.

"We will have to be clinical with the chances we create."


At Liberty Stadium, 5.15pm. Live on Sky Sports
Referee: Neil Paterson (SRU, 65th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Nigel Owens, Chris Williams (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: John Charles (WRU)
TMO: Tim Hayes (WRU)