Scarlets host Connacht in a top-of-the-table clash on Sunday with both sides looking for their first GUINNESS PRO12 victory of the year, and backs coach Stephen Jones is urging his side to tidy up their performance after consecutive losses.

The home side remain top of the standings despite losing both of their festive derbies against Ospreys and Cardiff Blues, but Leinster and Connacht are now hot on their heels at the league summit.

Scarlets will be without hooker Emyr Phillips, who was ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury in Scarlets’ 27-25 defeat to the Blues on New Year’s Day.

But they received a boost with the news Scottish international John Barclay has returned to fitness in time for the all-important clash – with Scarlets looking to avoid slipping to back-to-back defeats at the Parc y Scarlets for the first time since 2009/10.

“The reality is we’re still top of the league, which is great,” said Jones.

“We’ve played 11 games and we’re halfway through the season. We’ve put a lot of good things in place but we still have a lot of areas we need to tidy up on, that’s the focus for us as coaches.

“From our aspect, we'll make sure our house is in order to get back to winning ways, that's our goal. We're expecting a tough game because they're a tough opponent.

“They're a very good side. Statistically they’re very good, and want to play open expansive rugby.”

Injury-hit Scarlets still have an astonishing 14 players unavailable for selection, but as well as Barclay, Rory Pitman makes a return to the matchday 23 for the first time since September having ruptured a bicep.

Former All Black Regan King returns to the starting XV, while Gareth Davies’ illness hands Aled Davies the scrum-half jersey, and Rhodri Williams also features.

Meanwhile Connacht will be looking to inflict a first defeat on Scarlets on their own soil since a trip to Stradley Park in October 2004.

Pat Lam’s side are aiming to end a three-game losing streak in the GUINNESS PRO12, and make just one change to the side that lost at Leinster last week with Ultan Dillane coming into the second row and Aly Muldowney dropping to the bench.

Connacht have struggled to cross the try-line in recent weeks, scoring just twice in their last three games despite being the second highest try-scores in the competition, but Lam is not concerned.

He said: “While we were disappointed with the outcome last week against Leinster, with a solid week’s training under our belt, we go with confidence knowing that if we add clinical execution to the work ethic already shown we’ll have every chance of getting the points on offer.

“I think we’re creating opportunities but not quite finishing them off.

“These games, in particular, [against Ulster and Leinster] with the fire and the emotion of a derby game both defences were very good so it’s not a concern. We’re trying to create those chances.

“I’m loving the effort the boys are putting in but we’re just not as clinical as we could be.”

At Parc y Scarlets, 2.30pm Live on S4C/TG4
Referee: Marius Mitrea (45th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Gwyn Morris, Stuart Kibble (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: John Charles (WRU)
TMO: Paul Adams (WRU)