Scarlets head coach Simon Easterby has called on his side to make the most of home advantage as they seek to reassert their RaboDirect PRO12 credentials against Edinburgh on Friday. The Scarlets slipped out of the top four last weekend after Leinster pulled clear in third with a bonus point victory and the Ospreys moved into fourth thanks to their win over Edinburgh. Defeat for Easterby’s side was a first in three RaboDirect PRO12 matches and the Scarlets have won their last three fixtures at Parc y Scarlets since Clermont Auvergne won there, 29-0, in the European Cup on January 19. Scarlets have won four of their last five encounters with Edinburgh, while the Scotsmen’s only previous victory at Parc y Scarlets was 17-16 in the PRO12 on 4 December 2009. But Easterby is adamant his side will not be taking Edinburgh – who have lost their last ten matches in all competitions – lightly. “We are taking nothing for granted in this fixture and we need to finish this block of rugby on a high point after working hard to regain our home form in the past month,” said Easterby. “Edinburgh had a young side out last weekend, they will bring back some of their experience who will be on a high after being part of the team that beat Ireland at Murrayfield. There's plenty for their players to prove including trying to impress with a new coaching lead coming in next season. “The most important thing is for us to focus on a performance to win the game and secure four points – so we won't be thinking ahead of ourselves or about bonus points. “We are in the mix and it's great that there is still so much to play for in the short amount of games left; we have potentially a really good run in.” Easterby has made five changes to the side that lost in Dublin with George Earle and Josh Turnbull both missing out through injury. Aled Thomas moves from full-back to fly-half with Wales international Liam Williams returning to the No.15 jersey and Samson Lee comes in at tight-head prop. Jake Ball replaces Earle in the second row while Johnathan Edwards comes in to the back row in Turnbull’s place. Edinburgh's only win on their last 14 visits to Wales in all competitions since December 2009 was 21-19 over Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park in the RaboDirect PRO12 in September but Michael Bradley has made only minor changes to the side that lost to the Ospreys last time out. Ben Cairns coming in at centre in place of the suspended Nick De Luca is the only change to the back division while, in the pack, the release of David Denton from Scotland's Six Nations squad sees him back at No.8. Prop Allan Jacobsen gets his first start at loose-head since January while hooker Steven Lawrie – a late withdrawal last weekend – has been passed fit to start the match. Bradley said: "It's clear we're in desperate need of a win and the players have worked exceptionally hard, in some very vocal and physical training sessions, as we prepare mentally and physically to front up to one of the top teams in the division in their own back yard. "The players are well aware that the performances haven't been up to scratch this season but I've been impressed by their resolve, their commitment and attention to detail in how they can improve and rally together." At Parc y Scarlets, 7.05pm. Referee: Giuseppe Vivarini (FIR, 6th competition game) Assistant Referees: Tim Hayes, Greg Morgan (both WRU) Citing Commissioner: Aurwel Morgan (WRU) TMO: Paul Adams (WRU) Live on BBC Wales and BBC ALBA
