Recent results have seen the Parc y Scarlets outfit slip down the league table but a top four finish is still well within their grasp, and Easterby knows victory over their English rivals would send out a strong message to their domestic rivals.
"This is an important game for us in terms of building momentum into what will be very important fixtures in our league campaign, with Connacht and Munster at home in coming weeks," he said.
"We've got plenty of tradition with Leicester and the battles and rivalries of Welsh regions pitting themselves against the English clubs usually brings out the best in our home supporters.
"It's going to be competitive and challenging for us and we look forward to seeing some of these new players taking their chances on Sunday.
"Leicester Tigers like us have a number of internationals away on duty, and while we are still limited in our selection due to the number of injuries and those also committed to Wales U20s and Sevens, this contest is also about building on the experience and performance of last week for a number of our players.
"We know we can't qualify now but we can finish on a high and playing at home and looking to the next four weeks, we need to get momentum and performance and a result will be very good as well.
"Next four weeks is the key to our season in terms of getting ourselves back in that top four while we have so many players away."
Outside half Owen Williams, 20, gets another start in a side captained by hooker Emyr Phillips for the first time. Kenfig Hill RFC product Kyle Evans will also be given his debut, after impressing with Llanelli in recent weeks, scoring six tries in 16 games on the wing.
The inexperienced Duane Eager and Lewis Rawlins are also in a match day 22 shorn of 14 regulars through either international duty or injury.
"Kyle has worked very hard this season with Llanelli RFC and shown real commitment to training and in his performances," explained Easterby. "He's scored some brilliant tries recently and from what he's shown in training with us, he deserves this opportunity.
"Like other Scarlets players we've seen push on after coming into our system later, it's important for Welsh rugby that talented players who come to rugby later outside academy structures, also get their opportunities to perform at a higher level.
"We have a responsibility to players that put in the graft and show true potential to support them in their ambitions and hand them chances which helps build depth and support development."
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