Gregor Townsend has made six changes to his Glasgow Warriors side to face Cardiff Blues in what he hopes will be an opportunity to celebrate the careers of the retiring Al Kellock and Dougie Hall.

Glasgow are two points clear at the top of the GUINNESS PRO12 going in to the match at Scotstoun, where they have not suffered a league defeat since November 2013.

Townsend has named a new-look half-back pairing with Finn Russell making his first appearance in a Glasgow shirt since late January to partner Henry Pyrgos, who replaces Niko Matawalu at scrum-half.

Russell’s return means Peter Horne moves to 12 to partner Richie Vernon in the centre while Peter Murchie comes in to replace Stuart Hogg at full-back.

There are also changes among the forwards as Jerry Yanuyanutawa replaces Alex Allan and John Strauss makes way for Adam Ashe at No.8 as Townsend hopes to extend their winning run over Cardiff to eight in a row in the GUINNESS PRO12.

"This is another big game for the club, with just four matches left in the regular season, as we chase a play-off spot,” said Townsend.

"Cardiff Blues always give us a tough game and we're well aware of the challenge they will pose.

"Tomorrow will be a special night for Al (Kellock) and Dougie (Hall), who have announced that they will retire at the end of the season and this is an opportunity for our supporters to join us in celebrating their careers.”

Friday’s visitors Cardiff are fighting at the other end of the table, currently sitting in tenth position in the GUINNESS PRO12 and have not won on the road since visiting Zebre in round one.

History is not on their side in this fixture either, having only scored one try on their last three visits to Scotstoun.

The Blues have made a total of eight changes from the European side that faced Newport Gwent Dragons with centre Garyn Smith making his full league debut alongside Tom Isaacs.

There is also a new half-back pairing of Gareth Davies and Travis Knoyle as well as a new front three of Sam Hobbs, Kristian Dacey and Adam Jones.

Macauley Cook joins Sam Warburton and Josh Navidi in the back row as coach Paul John looks to bounce back from two consecutive defeats.

"We've got to start to rebuild and finish the season with pride,” John said.

"We won last year at Glasgow in Europe and we've got absolutely nothing to lose.

"We want to play to a strong game plan, execute it well and perform to the best of our ability. To do justice to the league we have to do that.

"Glasgow are a very good offloading side, they are a complete side in many ways, and we've got to control the ball better than we did last weekend in Newport to get the right performance.”

At Scotstoun Stadium, 7.35pm. Live on BBC ALBA
Referee: George Clancy (IRFU, 69th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Lloyd Linton, Mike Adamson (both SRU)
Citing Commissioner: John Montgomery (SRU)
TMO: Jim Yuille (SRU )