Adam Beard will once again captain the side for the third game in succession with Justin Tipuric and Morgan Morris once again absent from the squad.
Gareth Thomas starts at loosehead, with Sam Parry lining up at hooker replacing Dewi Lake, with Tom Botha completing the front three.
Player of the month James Fender partners Beard at lock. James Ratti returns from injury at six, with Harri Deaves on the other flank, whilst after impressing against the Scarlets and in absence of Morris, Morgan Morse starts at eight.
Luke Davies gets the start at scrum half with Reuben Morgan-Williams unavailable, with Owen Williams partnering him at 10.
Centre Owen Watkin makes his 100th Ospreys appearance in the centre once again partnered with George North.
In the back three, Jack Walsh starts at full back, with Keelan Giles on one wing and Iestyn Hopkins on the other.
Ospreys XV to face Cardiff:
15. Jack Walsh 14. Iestyn Hopkins 13. George North 12. Owen Watkin 11. Keelan Giles
10. Owen Williams 9. Luke Davies
1. Gareth Thomas 2. Sam Parry 3. Tom Botha 4. James Fender 5. Adam Beard (captain)
6. James Ratti 7. Harri Deaves 8. Morgan Morse.
Replacements:
16. Dewi Lake 17. Garyn Phillips 18. Rhys Henry 19. Lewis Jones 20. Tristan Davies
21. Cameron Jones 22. Dan Edwards 23. Luke Morgan.
Head Coach, Toby Booth, said:
“Cardiff are playing very well at the moment. They’ve put in some top performances in recent weeks.
“We need to be very sharp, especially from a defensive standpoint. They pose an attacking threat and they’re going to kick the ball a lot so it’s important we maintain things on our terms.”
[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]
