Celtic League: Ospreys v Connacht: Any sort of the dividend will be gratefully received, but hard earned, when Connacht face the Celtic League leaders Neath/Swansea Ospreys at the Gnoll tomorrow.
Michael Bradley's side has stuttered in its last two league outings with disappointing displays against Edinburgh and Leinster - although sandwiched by their European cup heroics against Narbonne.
The in-form Ospreys boast an 11-point gap at the top of the table, demonstrating the enormity of Connacht's task at the Gnoll.
Bradley is faced with a growing list of injuries and has delayed naming his side as he awaits on late reports on a handful of players. And with two tough matches on the trot - Connacht host fellow Welsh title chasers the Dragons on Sunday week - Bradley's options are limited.
He is likely to stick closely to the side which overcame Narbonne, but he could be forced to introduce some fringe players over the next two weeks, particularly with the first series of Celtic League matches coming to a conclusion.
The biggest boost is the possible return of number eight John O'Sullivan from a shoulder injury, particularly with Mick Carroll out of action, and fellow back-row forward Paul Neville also doubtful.
Connacht may have demonstrated their ability to surprise Welsh outfits - most recently Llanelli - but tomorrow's assignment is a big ask.
Even without the Osprey's handful of internationals, which include top scorer Gavin Henson, Sonny Parker and Shane Williams in the backs, and the Jones boys, Adam and Duncan, and Brent Cockbain in the forwards, Connacht will find it difficult to penetrate the league's best defence system.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YVIRIOZQ35EWRPZXR27KGMO6YU.png)