The Blues meanwhile have only won once in the RaboDirect PRO12 in 2012, last week against Connacht, but both sides have their sights set on the play-offs with eight rounds of the league to go.
And McLaughlin knows the importance of getting one over their fellow play-off chasers as the race for the post-season heats up.
"This is a very important match for us given the position the two teams occupy in the league," he said.
"There isn't much between us so I suppose you could say it's an 8-pointer. But we're playing well at the minute and if we play like we have done over the past few weeks, we have a good chance of coming back with the result.
"We're a confident side now and we know we can beat anyone on our day. There is a good atmosphere amongst the squad and the management and we feel we're moving forward.
"We will continue to push towards our goals and a win on Friday would be another step forward in terms of qualification for the PRO12 play offs."
McLaughlin has opted to freshen up his starting XV for the clash as Paddy Wallace, Tom Court and Chris Henry have been released from Ireland duty and they go straight into the team along with Nigel Brady, who replaces Andi Kyriacou.
Brady, Court and John Afoa form the front row, while Lewis Stevenson and Dan Tuohy continue their partnership at lock with captain Johann Muller still sidelined through injury.
The return of Wallace at inside centre results in a number of positional changes across the backline. Nevin Spence moves out one to wear the No. 13 jersey, with Ian Whitten moving to the wing and Stefan Terblanche starting at full-back.
Ulster, who have lost every game they have played in Wales this year, have plenty of options from the bench, with Paul Marshall, Simon Danielli and Adam D'Arcy all capable of changing the course of the game.
The Blues for their part have only lost once in their last eight home games in all competitions and coach Justin Burnell has a number of internationals to call on as they return from Six Nations duty.
There are three changes in the backs as the Blues welcome back Lloyd Williams and Gavin Henson from the Welsh squad and also Dan Parks who announced his international retirement earlier in the month.
And Burnell admits that Friday's clash at the Cardiff Arms Park could be key in deciding his side's ambitions for the remainder of the RaboDirect PRO12 season.
"It is a massive challenge for us but important that we pick up points to get us to the play off stages," he said.
"I think Ulster's threat comes from across the board. They have recruited some exceptional South African and New Zealand forwards and have a very good half back pairing.
"Pienaar is a key man for them and if there was a world ranking I certainly think he would be in the top three whether he was playing 9 or 10."
At Cardiff Arms Park, 7.05pm
Referee : George Clancy (IRFU. 44th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Gwyn Morris, Jon Mason (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner : Gwyn Bowden (WRU)
TMO: Paul Adams (WRU)
Live on BBC Wales and BBC Northern Ireland
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