The Welsh region are without 14 first-team players after Canada wing Jeff Hassler, needing a shoulder operation, added to the injury list earlier this week.

However wing Eli Walker, hooker Sam Parry, flanker James King and number eight Dan Baker to face a Benetton Treviso side whose last victory in Wales came back in 2013.

The Ospreys boast a proud record of never having lost to an Italian side at home, though Treviso's last Guinness PRO12 victory came against Welsh opposition in Newport Gwent Dragons four rounds ago.

And Tandy is refusing to lie down with European qualification still on the line.

"With three games remaining this season we know what we've got to do and that is go out on a high, targeting three wins, and whatever will be, will be," he said.

"It's essential that we take that approach, whether we are on target for the top six or whether it becomes clear over the next couple of weeks that it'll be beyond us.

"They've got to go all over again on Friday night against a Treviso side that, like all Italian teams, are strong up front and, because of the qualification rules for Europe, still have everything to play for.

"We have to be ready for a battle but we are up for the challenges of these last three matches."

The Ospreys look like they could be rounding back into form as their 26-20 victory at Newport Gwent Dragons in round 19 ended a three match losing run.

But Treviso have named a strong side for their trip to Wales, with Jayden Hayward at full-back and Italy internationals Angelo Esposito and Ludovico Nitoglia rounding out the back three.

Inspirational scrum-half Edoardo Gori is at scrum-half, with Sam Christie at No.10, while captain and openside flanker Alessandro Zanni leads in the pack.

Teenager Owen Watkin will also continue his dream Ospreys season at outside centre after signing a fresh contract at the Welsh region.

"I'm over the moon. I'm really pleased that the coaches have faith in me," said Watkin, who has signed a three-year deal.

"It's hard to believe how quick things have moved on for me since signing my first contract, I never thought I'd come as far as I have this season, playing for the senior team in the PRO12 and in Europe.

"It's a massive step-up for me but I'm enjoying it. I know I've still got a long way to go yet but I'm proud to be part of the Ospreys squad."


At Liberty Stadium, 7.35pm Live on BBC Wales
Referee: David Wilkinson (IRFU, 41st competition game)
Assistant Referees: Dan Jones, Martyn Lewis (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Gwyn Bowden (WRU)
TMO: Tim Hayes (WRU)