The challenge facing Glasgow Warriors when they face up to Edinburgh on New Year’s Day is not just the matter of the 1872 Cup according to head coach Gregor Townsend – there are valuable RaboDirect PRO12 points up for grabs.

The Warriors emerged from Murrayfield as 20-16 winners on Boxing Day and will be looking to finish the job off in the second leg at Scotstoun.

Glasgow’s last seven games in the RaboDirect PRO12 have all been won by the away side on the day, though, while they have slipped to defeat in their last three fixtures at Scotstoun in all tournaments since beating Exeter in the European Cup on October 20.

Sean Lamont returns to the left wing having been out of action since November with an ankle injury, while Stuart Hogg starts at full-back with Sean Maitland occupying the right wing berth.

Byron McGuigan and Alex Dunbar form a new centre partnership, while Ruaridh Jackson and Henry Pyrgos come into the side at fly-half and scrum-half respectively.

In the forwards Ryan Grant continues at loose-head, with Dougie Hall coming in for Pat MacArthur at hooker and Ed Kalman replacing Jon Welsh at tight-head.

Elsewhere, Chris Fusaro comes in at open-side and captains the side, while Josh Strauss replaces Ryan Wilson at No.8.

But with Glasgow currently ten points behind league leaders Munster, Townsend is calling for his side to stand up to the challenge.

"Edinburgh played really well against us last week and we know we face another tough game,” he said.

"These fixtures against our oldest rivals are the most anticipated games of the season. We are playing for a trophy and also valuable league points.

"I believe it's important to give players the opportunity to be involved in such an important series of games for the club.

"I expect those selected to deliver an 80-minute performance full of physicality, discipline and emotional control. That's what will be required to go on and retain the 1872 Cup.”

Edinburgh begin the first of four successive away games in the RaboDirect PR012 having won just once on the road in the tournament since December 2012 – 9-7 at Zebre in March.

They have won only one of their last ten contests with Glasgow since 2008 while Edinburgh's most recent victory on Glasgow soil was 25-16 at Hughenden on December 27 2003.

In order to change that sequence head coach Alan Solomons has made one change to the team with recently re-signed Scotland prop Alasdair Dickinson returning to start the match, with Wicus Blaauw moving to the replacements' bench.

"I think we can take heart from the fact that we were in the driving seat for much of last week's match,” said Solomons.

“However we failed to capitalise on some clear opportunities. Conversely, Glasgow took their chances.

"We know going to Glasgow is not going to be easy. They are on their home turf and are obviously in a strong position having taken the lead last week.

"We know it's going to be a tremendous challenge but the whole team is looking forward to it.

"Derbies are important games and the 1872 Cup has to be valued.

"It has a rich history and tradition but at the same time one cannot lose sight of the fact that it is a competitive match in the RaboDirect PRO12.”

At Scotstoun Stadium, 6.05pm. Live on BBC ALBA
Referee: Andrew McMenemy (SRU, 27th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Peter Allan, Graeme Marshall (both SRU)
Citing Commissioner: Douglas Hunter (SRU)
TMO: Iain Ramage (SRU)