Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac admits his side have a golden opportunity to strike a blow in the race for the GUINNESS PRO12 top six when they take on Edinburgh Rugby this Saturday.

Going into the weekend’s fixtures, the Llanelli outfit trail sixth-placed Connacht by three points with Edinburgh just a single point further back in eighth.

Pivac’s side have lost just one of their last four GUINNESS PRO12 matches, a run that includes a stunning 23-13 victory over title-chasing Leinster last time out.

And with a number of international names set to make a return to domestic action, the Scarlets boss acknowledges the potentially pivotal nature of the clash.

“We’re under no illusion that we need to win this weekend,” Pivac said.

“If we can get across the line on Saturday we may have some breathing space on Edinburgh.

“Clearly we want to win every game, it’s an old cliché but we really are taking it week by week and we have to.

“On our recent form you’d have to say we’ve got some tough games coming up because we’re going away from home.”

Ken Owens will skipper the side from hooker after returning from Wales duty, with new cap Rob Evans and tighthead Peter Edwards joining him in the front row.

In the backline, Liam Williams is unable to return at full-back, namesake Jordan taking on the role, while Steven Shingler and Aled Davies continue their half-back partnership.

Edinburgh are also boosted by several returning internationals as they look to end the Scarlets’ impressive home run in the GUINNESS PRO12 – the Welsh region haven’t lost a league game at Parc y Scarlets since December 2013.

One of the Scotland stars welcomed back by Alan Solomons is Tim Visser, who will start on the left wing, with Tom Brown replacing Dougie Fife on the opposite flank.

The pack is unchanged from the one that overcame Benetton Treviso in round 17, Anton Bresler and recent Scotland debutant Ben Toolis joining forces in the second row.

And Solomons admits that a revitalised Scarlets on home turf will be a difficult prospect.

“The Scarlets are unbeaten at home during this season and will be at full strength with all their Welsh internationals returning on a high,” he said.

“We will appreciate the importance of this match and are looking forward to the challenge it presents.”

At Parc y Scarlets, 2.40pm.
Live on Sky Sports

Referee: John Lacey (IRFU, 43rd competition game)
Assistant Referees: Chris Williams, Martyn Lewis (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Ray Wilton (WRU)
TMO: Derek Bevan (WRU)