McLaughlin's men go into the clash having taken 24 points from six matches which has lifted them to fifth place, just one point below the play-off places.

They have suffered only one league defeat at home this season although that came against Italian opposition in the form of Treviso.

Aironi recorded a confidence boosting home win over Munster two weeks ago and denied Glasgow Warriors a bonus point at the weekend, so McLaughlin knows it will be anything but easy.

"Aironi have won two out of their three recent games against Irish opposition and with a full side at their disposal, will be searching for another big scalp," McLaughlin told the Irish Independent.

"We have lost only once at home this season and that was against Treviso. But we have learned a lot from then, and hopefully we can keep up our momentum."

Hooker Andi Kyriacou misses out after being suspended by Ulster following an incident in the side's 27-23 win at Treviso last time out.

But McLaughlin welcomes back Ireland trio Rory Best, Andrew Trimble and Stephen Ferris from Six Nations duty with Lewis Stevenson promoted to the starting XV in place of Dan Tuohy.

"Whenever Rory, Andrew and Stevie come back into the squad in gives everyone a great fillip," said McLaughlin. "They have such high standards and demand the same from the other players.

"Lewis has been in very good form over the past couple of months. He was very good for us when he came off the bench in Treviso for the final 15 or 20 minutes so he deserves his chance.

"Everyone knows there are places up for grabs in every position and we have great competition throughout the squad. If players get chances they have to take them."

Aironi are still looking for a first away victory in their history after their 29-6 defeat at the hands of the Warriors.

And they might be waiting a while longer with the Ulstermen's only defeat in the competition since December coming in February when they lost 21-14 at Cardiff Blues.

Ulster also have a formidable record against their opponents with seven wins against the Italians in all competitions.

But Aironi are boosted by the return of wing Giovanbattista Venditti after his two tries for the Azzurri during the Six Nations.

Tito Tebaldi moves back to his usual position at scrum-half alongside Naas Olivier with Giulio Toniolatti at full-back.

Only the second row remains unchanged in the pack with Mauro Bergamasco at No.8 alongside Nicola Cattina and Joshua Furno.

Tighthead prop Fabiop Staibano returns to the front row with Alberto De Marchi at loosehead and Fabio Ongaro as hooker.

At Ravenhill, 7.05pm.
Referee: Neil Paterson (SRU, 39th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Dudley Phillips, John Carvill (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Peter Ferguson (IRFU)
TMO: Peter Ferguson (IRFU)

Live on BBC NI and TG4