However, the Dragons have one of the best home records in the league over the last 12 months - and the accolade of beating Glasgow at Scotstoun back in November.
It has been a turbulent week for the Warriors, in which Scotland internationals Moray Low and Chris Cusiter have each agreed to leave the club but props Ryan Grant and Gordon Reid have signed new deals.
And Townsend is hoping to end it with a win, as they travel to Rodney Parade seeking to strengthen their RaboDirect PRO12 playoff credentials.
"The Dragons have already beaten us at home this season, so we know how big a challenge we face at Rodney Parade," he said.
"They are a well organised team and are tough to play against, they also have a very good home record, having only lost twice since last March, so we know we'll have to play well to come away with a positive result.
"We were really pleased to win down at Cardiff last weekend and there were plenty of positives which we can take into our game on Sunday."
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