Ospreys are the visitors to Kingsholm on Friday evening in round three of the Anglo-Welsh Cup and the Cherry and Whites have named a strong side to take on the Welsh region.
Freddie Clarke will skipper the side for the first time. Gloucester are currently in third place in pool 1 of the Anglo-Welsh Cup, two points behind leaders Bath Rugby, so need a win to keep alive their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages.
And, with good squad availability this week, Gloucester have named a strong side for Friday evening's fixture.
Having signed a new contract earlier this week, Freddie Clarke will skipper a side which features four full internationals, and another amongst the replacements in Matt Scott, and significant first team experience in every position.
Head of Academy Richard Whiffin was on media duties this week, and admitted that qualifying for the semi-finals will be tough but that Gloucester have real motivation for giving it their best shot.
"It's not 100% in our hands, we're relying on other results. But if we go out in the next two weeks and get a couple of good wins, it will certainly put us in a good frame of mind for the back end of the year.
"If we do manage to qualify for the knockout stages then happy days, it'd be fantastic especially with the final being at Kingsholm. It'd be a massive thing for the squad to play a final at their own ground."
And Whiffin acknowledged that the Ospreys are something of an unknown quantity this week having parted company with Head Coach Steve Tandy.
"You always think of that football situation when you get a bounceback with a new manager or a change of coach. We're unsure of what team they're going to select, we're focusing on us but I'm sure, whatever Ospreys team comes, it'll be a tough game on Friday.
"But it's about us, getting our game back to where we want it to be and enjoying what we're doing. So, I expect to see smiles on faces on Friday."
“The group has been really positive in its preparation this week. It’s a good mix with youngsters who have earned this opportunity working alongside some more senior Ospreys and the dynamics have been good.
“For a lot of these players going to Kingsholm and playing in front of a big crowd and a passionate atmosphere will be a new experience, a challenge for them, so they’ve got to be fearless, while others in the team will have a leadership role, using their experience to guide the team.
“As coaches and players we always look forward to this period, it’s a chance for individuals to put their hands up and we’ve seen some really good performances and players coming to the fore in this competition. We want people to take that opportunity this weekend.”
Gloucester: 15 David Halaifonua, 14 Henry Purdy, 13 Henry Trinder, 12 Mark Atkinson, 11 Ollie Thorley, 10 Billy Burns, 9 Callum Braley, 8 Ben Morgan 7 Will Safe, 6 Freddie Clarke (c), 5 Mariano Galarza; 4 Ed Slater, 3 Fraser Balmain; 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Cameron Orr,
Replacements: 16 Henry Walker, 17 Paddy McAllister, 18 Gareth Denman, 19 Callum Allen, 20 Gareth Evans, 21 Ben Vellacott, 22 Matt Scott, 23 Tom Hudson
Ospreys: 15 Cai Evans, 14 Dafydd Howells, 13 Joe Thomas, 12 James Hook, 11 Jay Baker, 10 Luke Price (c), 9 Reuben Morgan-Williams, 8 Morgan Morris, 7 Will Jones, 6 Guy Mercer, 5 Lloyd Ashley, 4 James Ratti, 3 Alex Jeffries, 2 Scott Otten, 1 Gareth Thomas
Replacements: 16 Ifan Phillips, 17 Rowan Jenkins, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Kieran Martin, 20 Josh Cole, 21 Matthew Aubrey, 22 Callum Carson, 23 Dewi Cross
Date: Friday, January 26
Venue: Kingsholm
Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
Referee: Adam Leal (England)
Assistant referees: Anthony Woodthorpe (England), Philip Watters (England)
Television match official: Claire Hodnett (England)
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