Pontypridd are looking for a fourth successive league to help them challenge the top cluster of clubs.
In addition to their long term injury list, Ponty have lost the services of Blues winger Aled Brew, expected to be sidelined for a few weeks with knee damage, whilst prop Ryan Harford has been issued a five week ban for his recent sending off against the Wanderers.
In attempting to maintain some momentum in their league campaign, there is a theme of continuity to Ponty's team selection, with only four changes made to the starting line up from the home win over Aberavon last time out.
Kristian Baller comes in on the wing in place of Brew, Chris Martenko and Grant Harrington forming a new lock partnership, and Geraint Lewis in at blind-side flanker.
There is also a welcome return from long term injury for scrum half Rhys Downes, who takes his place on the bench.
The Pontypridd team selected to face Pontypool is as follows:
Pontypridd 15.Matt Hutchings. 14.Kristian Baller. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Adam Thomas. 11.Lewis Williams. 10.Dai Flanagan. 9.Andrew Jenkins.
1.Stuart Williams. 2.Rhys Williams. 3.Pat Palmer. 4.Chris Martenko. 5.Grant Harrington. 6.Geraint Lewis. 7.Wayne O'Connor. 8.Nathan Strong - cpt.
Subs: Lawrence Price; Mike Davies; Rhys Downes; Owen Cotton; Huw Dowden; Ryan Savage; Kristian Dacey.
