Celtic League / The Borders v Ulster: Due to the current Celtic League format, it's a rarity at this stage of the season for two teams facing each other to both have something to strive towards.
At Netherdale tonight, bottom side The Borders will try to claw back the four points that separate them from Glasgow and in turn earn the final Scottish berth in the European Cup. Ulster, meanwhile, are seeking the points to fend off Llanelli and the Gwent Dragons at the top of the table.
Despite failure to make inroads in Europe, a league and cup Celtic double would send Alan Solomons off to Northampton Saints at season's end with an untarnished reputation.
Ulster have named a strong side that sees Scott Young hold off under-21 international Tommy Bowe on the wing, while Neil Best gets the nod for openside flanker ahead of Neil McMillan. Simon Best returns to tight head.
Borders have lost international scrumhalf Chris Cusiter (calf strain) but former Scottish stalwart Gary Armstrong is an able replacement. Centre pairing Kevin Utterson and Jono Stewart are the home side's main attacking options but they should be wrapped up by the defensively solid Ulster pairing of Shane Stewart and Paul Steinmetz.
It's a match Solomons' side should win at a canter.
ULSTER: B Cunningham; S Young, S Stewart, P Steinmetz, T Howe; D Humphreys, N Doak; R Moore, M Sexton, S Best; G Longwell, R Frost; A Ward (capt), R Wilson, N Best. Replacements: P Shields, R McCormack, T Barker, N McMillan, K Campbell, P Wallace, T Bowe.
The Borders: G Morton; C Moir, J Stuart, K Utterson, A Turnbull; T Vili, G Armstrong; A Johnston, S Scott, B Douglas; S MacLeod, C Stewart; J Dalziel, S Sititi, K Brown. Replacements: R Ford, G Cross, A Davidson, I Fairley, I Berhinussen, S Cranston.
Netherdale, 7.30
