The Ospreys give a first regional start to fly-half prodigy James Hook, who replaces Shaun Connor in Swansea.

It is one of three changes to a strong side, Lee Beach in for Richie Pugh and Barry Williams - in his last appearance as skipper - for Huw Bennett.

Loose-head Justin Fitzpatrick makes a rare start as Ulster go in search of their first Celtic League title.

He replaces skipper Simon Best (ankle), Bryn Young moving to tight-head, James Topping and Rod Moore making the bench.

The 32-year-old Fitzpatrick has not featured since his return from Castres at the start of the season, but was called up after Best fractured his ankle in last week's draw with the Scarlets.

It is important that we finish strongly and we are keen to maintain the credibility of the Celtic League Ospreys coach Lyn Jones

League leaders Ulster go into the final round of games with a two-point advantage over Irish neighbours Leinster.

Ulster have claimed just one win against the Ospreys, who are involved in a battle with the Scarlets to finish as the second-best Welsh region.

Leinster are also on the road with Edinburgh Gunners providing the opposition for Michael Cheika's side.

Both matches kick off at the same time with the destiny of the title in Ulster's hands.

"Just one year ago we were experiencing the glory of winning the Celtic League, it is ironic that we now face an Ulster side coming to the Liberty Stadium looking to win the league," said Ospreys coach Lyn Jones.

LAST LEAGUE MEETING 4 November: Ulster 12-20 Ospreys

"We are still battling it out with the Scarlets to finish as the second placed Welsh region.

"Ulster have chosen a side that signals their intent for Friday's match and we have done the same.

"It is important that we finish strongly and we are keen to maintain the credibility of the Celtic League as a competition."

The Ospreys are without long-term injuries Brent Cockbain (hamstring), David Bishop (knee) and Ryan Jones (shoulder), while Adrian Cashmore (back) has had to retire.

Ospreys: Gavin Henson; Jonathan Vaughton, Sonny Parker, Andrew Bishop, Shane Williams; James Hook, Jason Spice; Duncan Jones, Barry Williams (capt), Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Evans, Jonathan Thomas, Lee Beach, Andrew Lloyd.
Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Andrew Millward, Paul James, Andrew Newman, Richard Pugh, Matthew Jones, Stefan Terblanche.

Ulster: B Cunningham; T Bowe, A Trimble, P Wallace, A Maxwell; D Humphreys, I Boss; J Fitzpatrick, R Best, B Young, J Harrison, M McCullough, N Best, S Ferris, R Wilson.
Replacements: N Brady, R Moore, R Caldwell, N McMillan, K Campbell, J Bell, J Topping.