Guinness PRO12 preview: Ospreys v Scarlets

Scarlets and Wales prop Rob Evans returns to the starting XV from international duty

With both Ospreys and Scarlets needing a victory to keep their respective play-off and European hopes alive, Saturday's all-Welsh clash carries huge significance.

Ken Owens returns to captain Scarlets and he's joined by internationals Gareth Davies, Rob Evans, Jake Ball and John Barclay in the starting XV, with Samson Lee named on the bench.

Liam Williams misses out on the clash with a hamstring strain while Morgan Allen returns to the No 8 berth after recovering from a foot injury.

"The self-belief is growing in the group," said head coach Wayne Pivac. "There's a lot for us to play for selfishly, a place in Europe like everybody and top four. We're in there but it's a case of improving week on week.

"Ospreys are a very proud team as we all know. They're still within a very good chance of getting in to Europe and upsetting a few teams along the way.

"It's a massive game for them as it is for us and we're expecting a titanic struggle. It's a derby against our close neighbours and there's a lot riding on the game."

Openside Sam Underhill of the Ospreys has been one of the finds of the season

Meanwhile, Ospreys scrum-half Rhys Webb has played down his pending battle with Six Nations' flyer Gareth Davies.

"Loads of people will be talking about it," he told Wales Online. "But I won't be getting caught up in it. It doesn't interest me. I need to concentrate on my game and help drive the Ospreys forward.

"We need a big performance as a team, so it isn't going to be a battle between me and Gareth Davies. I just need to give 100 per cent for the jersey."

"He's a mate, but when it comes to rivalry and competition I just concentrate on my job, do the best I can and let the rest look after itself."

Ospreys centre Ben John will wear the Player Mic for the Liberty Stadium clash.

The contest between Scarlets' scum-half Gareth Davies - pictured scoring for Wales - and Rhys Webb is just one intriguing battle

Ospreys: 15 Dan Evans, 14 Jeff Hassler, 13 Ben John, 12 Josh Matavesi, 11 Eli Walker, 10 Sam Davies, 9 Rhys Webb; 1 Paul James (c), 2 Scott Baldwin, 3 Aaron Jarvis, 4 James King, 5 Rory Thornton, 6 Dan Lydiate, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Dan Baker.

Replacements: 16 Sam Parry, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Dmitri Arhip, 19 Adam Beard, 20 Olly Cracknell, 21 Brendon Leonard, 22 Dan Biggar, 23 Owen Watkin.

Scarletts:15 Steff Evans, 14 Gareth Owen, 13 Regan King, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 11 DTH van der Merwe, 10 Dan Jones, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Rob Evans, 2 Ken Owens (c), 3 Peter Edwards, 4 Jake Ball, 5 David Bulbring, 6 John Barclay, 7 James Davies, 8 Morgan Allen.

Replacements: 16 Kirby Myhill, 17 Dylan Evans, 18 Samson Lee, 19 Maselino Paulino, 20 Will Boyde, 21 Aled Davies, 22 Aled Thomas, 23 Harry Robinson.