But with an imposing home record which has seen them turn over reigning champions Munster as well as a 50-point drubbing of Aironi, Edinburgh head coach Michael Bradley is feeling confident ahead of the Murrayfield encounter.

And with back-to-back European matches next on the agenda, set to decide whether Edinburgh reach a first Heineken Cup quarter-final since 2004, Bradley admits it's vital the Scottish side find some form in 2012.

He said: "Like us, Ulster have so far enjoyed a successful Heineken Cup campaign but have not been as convincing in the RaboDirect PRO12, though they clearly took a big step towards addressing that last weekend against Munster [beating the champions 33-17].

"We have shown good form in front of our home support, winning six of our last seven at Murrayfield however Ulster have lost just one in their last five so will arrive with a lot of confidence, something which we will need to tackle early on.

"This is a huge match for us as a big month for the club continues and, while we've acknowledged the long-term importance of our January fixtures, the players and coaches focused fully on the size of the job at hand.

"Success tomorrow would clearly give us the winning momentum we desire going into the Heineken Cup however that itself is not the objective. First and foremost this is about winning in the RaboDirect PRO12."

Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin also admitted his side desperately needed a win if their big win over Munster last Friday was to count for anything.

McLaughlin's side still find themselves seven points outside the play-offs and with just one away win so far this campaign, the root of the problem is clear for all to see.

"It's a crucial game for us, not only in terms of the PRO12, but also with Europe in mind next week. We must keep winning games in the PRO12 to put ourselves back in contention.

"Edinburgh have been playing well this season and like to play a good brand of rugby, but we will be looking to put in a quality performance and getting the result."

For Ulster Paddy Wallace make his return to the matchday squad after seven weeks out with a thumb injury while Andrew Trimble, Stephen Ferris, Tom Court and Rory best also return.

Bradley has rung the changes after a 17-12 defeat to Glasgow with Phil Godman the only man keeping his place in the backline while Allan Jacobsen, Ross Ford and Geoff Cross come into the front row.

At Murrayfield, 7.30pm.
Referee: George Clancy (43rd competition game)
Assistant Referees: Rob Dickson, ArchieMcInally (both SRU)
Citing Commissioner : PaulMinto (SRU)