GLASGOW V LEINSTER:MICHAEL CHEIKA has resisted the temptation to rest several frontline players following a physically bruising victory over Wasps for tonight's clash in Glasgow. In doing so the Leinster coach is adhering to long held principles based on not downgrading the importance of the Magners League, writes John O'Sullivan

Injuries to Brian O'Driscoll (knee) and Leo Cullen (collarbone) preclude their presence, while hooker Bernard Jackman is also an absentee. Jonathan Sexton, who came on at half-time against Wasps, starts at outhalf, with Felipe Contepomi moving to the midfield alongside Luke Fitzgerald; it was the way the backline finished the last day.

Girvan Dempsey has been struggling with illness but is hopeful he will be able to take his place at fullback. While acknowledging a superb team performance in the second half of the Wasps match, he pointed out that Leinster couldn't afford to dwell on that display.

"It's vital we back up our performance on Friday night because our recent Magners League form hasn't been as good as we would have liked.

"We know there are areas that we need to improve upon because as the reigning champions, teams are raising their game against us and we have to match them in terms of physicality and hunger. At times, Glasgow were superb against Toulouse last weekend.

"They've shown in their form so far in both competitions that they're playing some excellent rugby. They have some very good ball-carrying forwards in the pack and some lively sprinters out in the backline.

"It's important that we park last weekend's result and focus on Glasgow. We will refocus for the next few games on the Magners League and I think we've learned from past mistakes where we have failed to back up good victories with more good performances."

If Dempsey is ruled out then Rob Kearney would probably move to fullback, with Gary Brown introduced on the wing.

One individual who Leinster will single out for special attention is Glasgow's Thom Evans, a young player of huge potential who isn't satisfied to adhere to the traditional role of the winger. He's very quick and pops up everywhere.

Cheika has brought John Fogarty in at hooker for Jackman, with Brian Blaney promoted to the bench. Devin Toner gets an opportunity to stake a long-term claim to a secondrow berth alongside Malcolm O'Kelly.

Cullen will be out for eight weeks. Cian Healy starts at loosehead prop, Stan Wright switches sides in the frontrow, with CJ van der Linde dropping to the replacements.

Glasgow coach Seán Lineen makes one change to the side that lost to Toulouse at home last weekend with Kelly Brown replacing Richie Vernon in the backrow. The New Zealand-born former Scottish international centre explained: "Kelly came on last weekend and made a huge impact. He's had a little wake-up call but I've been impressed with how he has responded and it's also great to see him back in the Scotland squad."

Glasgow have seven players in the national set-up for the November tests.

Lineen continued: "As for Richie, he had a taste of the big time last weekend and I was really encouraged by his performance. He certainly wasn't out of his depth in such a massive game. We need to build on our form from last Friday; all we need is a different end result. The crowd was fantastic once again and with Leinster setting the pace in the Heineken Cup we need the same level of noise."

Leinster, the defending champions, have lost to both Munster and Connacht in recent times, and could do with picking up a good result in what promises to be a very tough assignment. They haven't always managed to sustain the quality of performance from coming from a peak of Heineken Cup achievement one week to the less charged domestic league the next. They need to do so tonight without three of their more influential performers in Cullen, O'Driscoll and Jackman. To do so will require the senior players to step forward and lead the way.

GLASGOW WARRIORS:B Stortoni; L Fa'atau, M Evans, G Morrison, T Evans; D Parks, M McMillan; K Tkachuk, D Hall, E Kalman; D Turner, A Kellock (capt); K Brown, J Barclay, J Beattie. Replacements (from): P McArthur, M Low, T Barker, S Swindall, R Vernon, C Gregor, R Jackson, A Henderson, H O'Hare.

LEINSTER:G Dempsey; S Horgan, L Fitzgerald, F Contepomi, R Kearney; J Sexton, C Whitaker (capt); C Healy, J Fogarty, S Wright; D Toner, M O'Kelly; R Elsom, S Jennings, J Heaslip. Replacements: B Blaney, CJ van der Linde, T Hogan, S Keogh, C Keane, G Brown, S Keogh.

Referee:G Morris (Wales).

Verdict:Leinster to win.