On the downside however, a number of players were ruled out for selection. Prop Iestyn Thomas, fullback Morgan Stoddart and winger Darren Daniel all failed fitness tests as the Scarlets attempt to win their first game since 24 October.
The Scarlets have once again been forced to put fly-half Rhys Priestland at full-back while Ceiron Thomas finds himself on the wing due to the shortage of fit back-three players in the squad.
Despite the Scarlets failing to fire in Europe this season, Maling said the players are confident of giving the in-form Blues a run for their money.
“Hopefully we can go out there and give it a real rip,” said for the Kiwi second row. “I’ve been out of action for a while with a calf injury and upon reflection I probably tried to come back too soon out in Paris (against Stade Francais) but we were a man down. But hopefully we can go out there and get a win on board.
“I’ve played in a few derbies back home in my time but I’m really looking forward to lacing the boots up and playing against the Blues. The boys are confident of putting in a good showing so hopefully we can kick off the period with a win to kick-start our season.”
Scarlets: 1 Phil John, 2 Matthew Rees, 3 Deacon Manu, 4 Vernon Cooper, 5 Simon Maling, 6 Simon Easterby (captain), 7 Dafydd Jones, 8 David Lyons, 9 Martin Roberts, 10 Stephen Jones, 11 Mark Jones, 12 Jonathan Davies, 13 Regan King, 14 Ceiron Thomas, 15 Rhys Priestland
Replacements: 16 Craig Cross, 17 Ken Owens, 18 Lou Reed, 19 Dominic Day, 20 Johnathan Edwards, 21 Gavin Cattle, 22 Lee Williams,
