Scott and Dean form the midfield partnership, with the back-three combination of Tom Brown, Damien Hoyland and Blair Kinghorn retaining their respective spots in the starting side.
Phil Burleigh, who scored the opening try in last week's 24-23 defeat of Scarlets, continues at stand-off and partners the incoming Hidalgo-Clyne at half-back.
In the pack, Sutherland replaces the recently re-signed Allan Dell in the front-row alongside hooker Neil Cochrane and tighthead prop John Andress, while Anton Bresler and try-scorer against Scarlets, Ben Toolis, continue at lock.
Jamie Ritchie and Hamish Watson start at blindside and openside flanker, with Cornell Du Preez wearing the number eight shirt.
Head Coach Alan Solomons said: "Connacht are at the top of the Guinness PRO12 table and we are looking forward to the challenge that taking on the league leaders presents."
Players not considered due to injury: Michael Allen (leg), Mike Coman (calf), Jack Cuthbert (knee), Grant Gilchrist (arm),Nasi Manu (neck), Fraser McKenzie (neck), Andries Strauss (knee and ankle) Jade Te Rure (knee) Grant Gilchrist (arm).
Absent on international duty: Alasdair Dickinson, Ross Ford, WP Nel, John Hardie, Stuart McInally.
Edinburgh Rugby team to play Connacht
Guinness PRO12, BT Murrayfield, Friday 4 March, kick-off 7.35pm - live on BBC 2 Scotland
15. Blair Kinghorn
14. Damien Hoyland
13. Chris Dean
12. Matt Scott
11. Tom Brown
10. Phil Burleigh
9. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne
1. Rory Sutherland
2. Neil Cochrane
3. John Andress
4. Anton Bresler
5. Ben Toolis
6. Jamie Ritchie
7. Hamish Watson
8. Cornell Du Preez
Substitutes
16. George Turner
17. Allan Dell
18. Simon Berghan
19. Alex Toolis
20. Magnus Bradbury
21. Sean Kennedy
22. Sam Beard
23. Dougie Fife
Guinness PRO12 Edinburgh News
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