Allen, a second half replacement in the victory over Newport Gwent Dragons, starts his first league game of the campaign after recovering from a hamstring injury he picked up in Wales’ opening World Cup game against Uruguay having scoring a hat-trick of tries.
Head Coach Danny Wilson has made three changes to his starting line-up from the triumphant starting XV at Rodney Parade. Dan Fish comes in at full back, allowing Rhys Patchell to move to outside half in place of Jarrod Evans, while New Zealander Jarrad Hoeata takes over from Lou Reed in the second row.
“I’ve been pleased with the way we have played in the last few weeks and we are aiming to start 2016 with a positive performance and result. We have been consistent and there is a belief in the squad that we can win these games,” said Blues head coach Danny Wilson.
“When you win tight games late on – Connacht and Montpellier at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park and Dragons away – it gives you that confidence that even when you are down you can win games.
“The boys are working hard and doing everything I’m asking of them. We are making the right strides and looking to continue that into the New Year.”
Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac has made three changes to the side that lost 27-26 to the Ospreys at Parc y Scarlets on Boxing Day. Wales lock Jake Ball and skipper John Barclay are both ruled out with injuries and their places in the pack are taken by Tom Price and Jack Condy.
Wales’ World Cup scrum half Gareth Davies, who out of last weekend’s game after he felt a muscle twinge in the warm-up, returns to the starting line-up to set-up a classic head-to-head with Welsh rival Lloyd Williams.
With injuries to James Davies, Barclay, Rory Pitman and Will Boyde, hooker Emyr Phillips is named as backrow cover on the replacements bench. The Scarlets need to win to stay at the top of the Guinness PRO12.
Cardiff Blues: Dan Fish; Alex Cuthbert, Cory Allen, Rey Lee-Lo, Tom James; Rhys Patchell, Lloyd Williams; Gethin Jenkins (captain), Kristian Dacey, Taufa’ao Filise, Jarrad Hoeata, James Down, Josh Turnbull, Josh Navidi, Manoa Vosawa
Replacements: Ethan Lewis, Sam Hobbs, Dillon Lewis, Lou Reed, Macauley Cook, Tavis Knoyle, Jarrod Evans, Garyn Smith
Scarlets: Michael Collins; Steff Evans, Gareth Owen, Hadleigh Parkes, DTH van der Merwe; Aled Thomas, Gareth Davies; Rob Evans, Ken Owens (captain), Samson Lee, Tom Price, Lewis Rawlins, Aaron Shingler, Jack Condy, Morgan Allen
Replacements: Kirby Myhill, Phil John, Rhodri Jones, Maselino Paulino, Emyr Phillips, Aled Davies, Steve Shingler, Regan King
