Paul Marshall is in line to make his 100th appearance for Ulster in the match.
With just two league games remaining for Ulster in the RaboDirect PRO12, the fixture is highly important as the Province chase a home semi-final in the competition.
Ulster are top of the RaboDirect PRO12, three points ahead of second-placed Leinster and four points ahead of Glasgow who are in third.
Extended Ulster squad to face Connacht in the RaboDirect PRO12, Friday 19th April, The Sportsground, Galway, 7.45pm;
Forwards (14)
Chris Henry, Callum Black, Rory Best, Robbie Diack, Dan Tuohy, Lewis Stevenson, Declan Fitzpatrick, Nick Williams, Rob Herring, John Afoa, Ricky Lutton, Tom Court, Iain Henderson, Joahnn Muller;
Backs (11)
Ruan Pienaar, Jared Payne, Paddy Jackson, Paul Marshall, Peter Nelson, Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble, Michael Allen, Adam D'Arcy, Stuart Olding, Darren Cave.