The Blues have struggled for form so far after an opening draw with champions Leinster and a midweek defeat by Welsh arch rivals the Ospreys.
And Blues coach Young admits a victory at the Arms Park is vital to kick-start their campaign.
Young said: “We have to show character but equally, we have to show purpose in the way we play. Home games are paramount to us and we have to make sure we get the right result.
“We’re disappointed after our last two games and we’ve got to be more clinical to win games.
“I’ve no doubt Ulster will provide another difficult game. They are an improving team and a hungry team. They have a lot of quality players in key positions and won the League in 2006.
“They will also be a lot fresher than us, having only played one match, but I won’t use that as an excuse.”
Wales centre Tom Shanklin is rested but Gareth Thomas returns from a slight hamstring injury.
Cardiff Blues: Ben Blair; Leigh Halfpenny, Jamie Robinson, Gareth Thomas, Chris Czekaj,
Nicky Robinson, Darren Allinson; Gethin Jenkins, Rhys Thomas, Gary Powell, Bradley Davies, Paul Tito (capt), Maama Molitika, Mark Lewis, Martyn Williams
Replacements: John Yapp, Gareth Williams, Scott Morgan, Andy Powell, Jason Spice, Ceri Sweeney, Jamie Roberts
Young demands character
Dai Young has ordered his Cardiff Blues side to show their mettle and gain their first win of the season in Friday’s Magners League clash with Ulster.
