Zebre host Scarlets at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Saturday at 3.05pm as the Welsh side aim for a seventh consecutive Guinness PRO12 win.

What’s at stake?

Scarlets moved into the top four after a shock victory over Leinster last week and could close the gap on Ospreys should their Welsh counterparts drop points.

Zebre have yet to build on their superb victory in Edinburgh in October, their first this term, but will be rested following last week’s postponement in Ulster.

Team News (Zebre):

Second-row forward Quintin Geldenhuys skippers the hosts after Italy’s autumn series saw Zebre pick up four injuries – including club captain George Biagi.

Team News (Scarlets):

Head coach Wayne Pivac has the luxury of welcoming back two internationals to a starting line-up that includes four changes from their victory over Leinster.

DTH van der Merwe and Jonathan Davies return in the back line while Tadhg Beirne and Tom Price bolster the Scarlets pack from the second row.

However, former Crusader Johnny McNicholl will be sidelined for much of December after undergoing emergency surgery for an ‘acute medical complaint’.

Talking Points: Though Zebre host the league’s in-form team, Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac does not expect an easy ride from the Parma-based oufit.

“Traditionally we’ve gone out there for the four points but it’s been a very difficult task,” said Pivac.

“The challenge for us is to go out there and generate the same atmosphere we’d have had home within our own camp and make sure that the boys are up for it and motivated.

“They’re really excited by the fact they’ve been able to turn around the slow start to the season. To be six on the trot is no mean feat. The boys are in a good space.”

Key Battle: Carlo Canna v Rhys Patchell

After steering the Azzurri to a historic victory over the Springboks this autumn, fly-half Carlo Canna comes up against the league’s top points scorer in Rhys Patchell.

The Scarlets have added fire power in their back-line this week but it will be up to Patchell to release them in space.

Key Stats: Scarlets have won six on the bounce while Zebre are looking for a first home win this campaign.

Lions Contenders: Wales centre Jonathan Davies is the pick here as, back in a Scarlets jersey this season, he will be looking to put his foot down through the winter to stake his claim for a second Lions tour following his success in Australia in 2013.

Did you know?

Zebre have yet to beat Scarlets in eight attempts, managing just one draw in 2013/14.

Zebre: Berryman, Bellini, Boni, Castello, Venditti, Canna, Violi; Van Schalkwyk, Meyer, Minnie, Ruzza, Geldenhuys (cap), Chistolini, D’Apice, Postiglioni

Replacements: Festuccia, De Marchi, Roan, Koegelenberg, Bernabò, Palazzani, Pratichetti, Padovani

Top points scorer: Carlo Canna 41 Top try scorer: Giovanbattista Venditti 3

Scarlets: Thomas, van der Merwe, Davies, Parkes (cap), Evans, Patchell, Evans; Jones, Elias, Kruger, Beirne, Price, Shingler, Davies, Boyde

Replacements: Phillips, Evans, Lee, Ball, Macleod, Davies, Jones, Owen

Top points scorer: Rhys Patchell 71 Top try scorer: Liam Williams 3

Overall Guinness PRO12 record: Played 8, Scarlets won 7, drawn 1.

At Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, 3.05pm local time (2.05pm UK & Ireland). Live on Eurosport
Referee: David Wilkinson (IRFU, 47th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Kieran Barry (IRFU), Filippo Bertelli (FIR)
Citing Commissioner: Francesco Grillo (FIR)
TMO: Simon McDowell (IRFU)