Connacht have finished below Ulster, Leinster and Munster in the GUINNESS PRO12 table for each of the past 12 seasons but have won seven from nine so far this year, scoring more tries than any other team in the process.

That has them lying second - with only Welsh side Scarlets above them - yet Ulster are something of a bogey side for the Galway-based outfit.

Just once in the last 18 clashes have Connacht walked away with victory but their form at the Sportsground this term - Lam's troops are unbeaten at home in all competitions - gives the coach cause for optimism.

"This fixture traditionally attracts some of our biggest crowds of the season and with the game nearly a sell-out, this weekend won't be any different," said Lam.

"The home crowd will play a huge part in Saturday's game. Our first inter-pro at the Sportsground and it's all set up for a great night so we need to make sure we give our supporters something to shout about.

"We are unbeaten at home and despite the big challenge we face on Saturday we are determined to keep that record intact going into 2016.

"You can look at our history against Ulster and only one win in nine seasons but for us, the main priority is to focus on the process of how we are going to beat this Ulster team."

Lam has made 12 changes to the injury-ravaged side that faced Newcastle Falcons in Europe last time out with only Niyi Adeolokun and Craig Ronaldson remaining in the backline.

Kieran Marmion and Jack Carty are the half-backs while Bundee Aki and Ronaldson comprise the midfield with Tiernan O'Halloran flanked by Matt Healy and Adeolokun in the back-three.

Eoghan Masterson is the only remaining forward as John Muldoon and James Connolly join him in the back row while Ultan Dillane and Aly Muldowney start in the engine room with a formidable front row of Finlay Belham, Dave Heffernan and Nathan White.

There is far more continuity in the Ulster line-up although Rob Herring replaces Rory Best as hooker and captain while Nick Williams gets the nod at No.8 and Rory Scholes slides into the left-wing role with Craig Gilroy injured.

Ulster's away form in the GUINNESS PRO12 has been underwhelming in recent months with just one win from their last seven trips - a 19-12 triumph at Newport Gwent Dragons in November.

And while they head into the St Stephens Day clash at the Sportsground full of confidence having beaten French giants Toulouse in back-to-back European games, fly-half Paddy Jackson knows they must re-focus quickly.

"I felt the performances of the last few weeks were building to these successes, and while a lot of people were doubting us I think we've sent out a message now, right across Europe," explained Jackson.

"But we now have to turn our attention to the GUINNESS PRO12, and do as well in the league.

"We have to regain our focus very quickly, we play Connacht away, and that will be tough the way they've been pushing on this season.

"The weather and ground conditions will be an important factor down there, we know it will be hard but the way we're playing at the moment, the confidence and ability we have in this squad, I'd hope we can keep this winning run going."

At Sportsground , 6pm. Live on TG4 and BBC NI
Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (IRFU, 65th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Dudley Phillips, Eddie Hogan-O'Connell (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Gordon Black (IRFU)
TMO: Jude Quins (IRFU)