Cardiff head coach Steve Law has named a side full of regional players with the likes of Wales international tight-head prop Scott Andrews, former Sale Sharks No 8 Sam Moore and Harri Millard selected in a formidable starting XV.
But Burnell believes a young Pontypridd side will be up for the challenge against their arch-rivals
He said: “It doesn’t get any better, does it?
“Cardiff against Ponty on a Friday night? Bring it on!
“I was really pleased with our win over Merthyr last weekend. We were under pressure in the first half and were behind on the scoreboard.
“We are a young and inexperienced team and it’s credit to the players they were able to dig themselves out of a hole and win the game.
“What we can do is create a good environment for these players to thrive in.
“We’ve got players who have come from clubs like Mountain Ash and Taffs Well who are really performing well for us.
“They are not coming in from other Premiership clubs they are coming in from lower divisions and it’s our job to develop these players.”
Elsewhere, Llandovery will be firm favourites when they welcome Bridgend to Church Bank on Saturday.
Euros Evans’ side sit second in the western conference, a mere two points behind Aberavon and have been in scintillating form.
It will also be a special day for two Bridgend players with Chris John and Dafi Davies set to both make their 50th appearances for the Ravens.
West conference table toppers Aberavon face a tricky away fixture against a dangerous Carmarthen Quins outfit.
Jason Hyatt’s side include a number of professional level players including former Ospreys and Leicester Tigers centre Joe Thomas.
In what has historically been a spicy affair, Swansea host arch-rivals Llanelli at St Helen’s.
Both sides have struggled badly for form in the first three rounds and occupy the bottom two spots of the western conference.
In the eastern conference, Newport will be hopeful of continuing their fine start to the season as they host Merthyr at Newport Stadium.
Premiership big spenders Merthyr have endured a shaky start to the season, but have the quality within their ranks to turn things around.
RGC 1404 are winless so far this season despite improving from week to week, but Ceri Jones’ side face a stern challenge in Colwyn Bay against an in-form Ebbw Vale outfit.
In the Championship Cup, Bargoed host Ystrad Rhondda, Glamorgan Wanderers travel to Maesteg Harlequins, and Narberth take on Neath.
WRU Premiership Cup – East fixtures
Cardiff vs Pontypridd (Friday, 7.15pm)
Newport vs Merthyr (Saturday, 2.30pm)
RGC 1404 vs Ebbw Vale (Saturday, 2.30pm)
WRU Premiership Cup – West
Carmarthen Quins vs Aberavon (Saturday, 2.30pm)
Llandovery vs Bridgend (Saturday, 2.30pm)
Swansea vs Llanelli (Saturday, 2.30pm)
