**A delectable Welsh derby weekend sees Dragons make the short trip west to face rivals Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium.**

After a fortnight’s break, both sides will have had plenty of time to dissect recent defeats in an attempt to put things right in Swansea on Saturday.

What’s at stake?

Put simply: bragging rights.

With the Cardiff Blues also matching up against Scarlets in Round 18, it’s a chance for the four regions to get one up on their foes with a big performance.

For Ospreys, however, there also remains the small question of the Guinness Pro14 Finals Series to consider; a win here would provide quite the boost as they keep up the chase in Conference A.

On the other side of the fence, the Dragons’ away form has left plenty to be desired as of late, and they would love nothing more than to put an end to their hoodoo at the home of their rivals.

Team news (Ospreys) Allen Clarke’s side will be boosted by the return of their Welsh international contingent, riding high after a glorious Grand Slam triumph in the Guinness Six Nations.

While it is too early for influential skipper Alun Wyn Jones – who is set to sign a new deal and stay with the province, but misses this one through injury – Justin Tipuric, Aled Davies and Owen Watkin are all back in action.

Team news (Dragons) The visitors will likewise be glad to see Ross Moriarty and Aaron Wainwright return to the fold as the pair slot straight into the back row.

Exciting young lock Max Williams also gets the nod in the pack for his first Guinness PRO14 start of the season.

Talking points

Ospreys head coach Allen Clarke: “It’s been a tough couple of months on and off the field, but the boys and management have held firm and remained committed.

“Our last game at home for the season gives us the opportunity to show what we stand for as a team and how much we appreciate the backing of our supporters, friends and families.

“The returning internationals from the magnificent Grand Slam success have given everyone an added boost and confidence. As a squad we know we’re going to have to be at our best in order to achieve our aims”

Dragons head coach Ceri Jones: “We’re all looking forward to the derby and know the challenge we will face down at Ospreys.

“We will need to replicate the physicality we produced when we beat them in December and ensure our accuracy is good then we feel we can get a positive result.

“Having some of our Wales contingent certainly back adds to us and we look forward to seeing them build on recent performances back in a Dragons jersey.”

Key battle – the back row

With such firepower in action for both provinces, the back of the pack seems the place to be.

Justin Tipuric captains the hosts at flanker, with Ross Moriarty and Aaron Wainwright driving things for the Dragons; it’s a match-up that could well decide where this match is won and lost.

Key stat: Dragons have already beaten Ospreys in Round 12 this season but have not achieved the double over them since ²⁰¹⁰⁄₁₁, on the only previous occasion they were victorious at Liberty Stadium.

Did you know? Ospreys lost to Munster 19-13 in their most recent Guinness PRO14 fixture at Liberty Stadium but have not lost successive matches at the venue in the tournament since October 2017, when Scarlets became the latest Welsh region to win at the venue.

Ospreys: Dan Evans, Hanno Dirksen, Cory Allen, Owen Watkin, Keelan Giles, Luke Price, Aled Davies; Nicky Smith, Scott Baldwin, Tom Botha, Adam Beard, Bradley Davies, Olly Cracknell, Justin Tipuric ©, James King

Replacements: Scott Otten, Jordan Lay, Ma’afu Fia, Lloyd Ashley, Sam Cross, Matthew Aubrey, Sam Davies, Luke Morgan

Dragons: Jordan Williams, Jared Rosser, Tyler Morgan, Jarryd Sage, Hallam Amos, Jason Tovey, Rhodri Williams; Brok Harris, Richard Hibbard ©, Leon Brown, Max Williams, Matthew Screech, Aaron Wainwright, Taine Basham, Ross Moriarty

Replacements: Rhys Lawrence, Josh Reynolds, Lloyd Fairbrother, Joe Davies, Lennon Greggains, Tavis Knoyle, Josh Lewis, Dafydd Howells

TV: At Liberty Stadium, Swansea, 3pm. Live on Premier Sports 1 and eir Sport

Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU, 175th competition game), Assistant Referees: Ian Davies, Craig Evans (both WRU), TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU), Citing Commissioner: Paul Thomas (WRU)