Scarlets host Connacht in a clash which head coach Wayne Pivac insists they must win to keep their dreams of a top-six finish alive.

Pivac’s side are unbeaten in their last dozen league fixtures on home soil since Ospreys beat them at Parc y Scarlets 10-6 on Boxing Day 2013.

But Scarlets are generally not in the best run of form in the GUINNESS PRO12 the moment, having won just one of their last five contests.

And Pivac is adamant that his side must deliver their first domestic win against Irish opposition this season if they are to stand any chance of European qualification.

"Connacht is a team sitting in the top six which is where we want to be,” he asserted.

"Pat (Lam) has got some players in who've made a difference to the side and the local guys have all stepped up. They're a definite threat to the top four and top six scenario.

"We were disappointed when we went out there and lost 14-8 – it was a game we could have and should have won. We look forward to this game in what is a must win game for us."

Pivac has named an experienced side for the game with international hooker Ken Owens returning as captain.

Jordan Williams starts at full-back while namesake Liam is on Wales duty, and Hadleigh Parkes lines up alongside fellow Kiwi Regan King in the centres for the first time.

In a big boost Wales Under-20s hooker Ryan Elias and Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies have both been released for what will be a crucial clash.

Connacht are experiencing a similar dip in form at the moment with their only victory in their last four GUINNESS PRO12 encounters coming in a 24-16 win at home to Munster on New Year's Day.

But Lam’s men will be going for a first ever PRO12 season's double over the Welshmen, as they look to cement their place in the top six.

Ireland international Kieran Marmion will assume duties at scrum-half for his 65th Connacht appearance while Jack Carty gets the nod at fly-half for the 15th time this season.

The Irish province have also been boosted by the return of tight-head prop Nathan White, who plays his first PRO12 game since October.

Jake Heenan makes his long-awaited return since his injury in round 1 of the competition, starting in a back-row with captain John Muldoon and No.8 George Naoupu.

And Lam knows his side must up their game if they are to improve their disappointing away record – having lost their last three encounters on Welsh soil.

"This is a huge game for us against a well-coached and quality side in Scarlets," he said.

"We know they are breathing right behind us and like us, they have top six aspirations.

"We haven’t won on their soil since 2004 and we’ve never won at Parc y Scarlets. We’ve challenged ourselves to take it to another level for this block of four games, and it must start with a performance this Sunday."

At Parc y Scarlets, 12.45pm Live on S4C Deferred on TG4
Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR 36th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Wayne Davies, Martyn Lewis (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: John Charles (WRU)
TMO: Tim Hayes (WRU)