Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac believes January will be a crucial month for his side as they look to retain their status at the top of the GUINNESS PRO12. Scarlets continue to head the GUINNESS PRO12 table despite losing their last three matches in all competitions but they are the best away team in the league having gained 13 league points from their four trips so far. Both encounters in the GUINNESS PRO12 last season were won by the home side on the day while Scarlets have not been victorious at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park since December 2012. There are three changes for Scarlets from the side that lost out to Ospreys on Boxing Day with Tom Price and Jack Condy coming in for the injured Jake Ball and John Barclay while Gareth Davies returns to the fold with Aled Davies on the bench. "This game becomes the most important game, I know it's a cliché and we say it every week, but when you're managing a squad like we are with injuries it puts pressure on the group,” said Pivac. "We know we're in for a battle up front against the Blues. The good thing about playing them at home is we know what the conditions will be like and it's going to be firm underfoot. "This is a huge month for us in what is turning out to be an enthralling GUINNESS PRO12 competition. We want to stay at the top and, having just failed to get across the line against the Ospreys, we need to win to stay where we are." Cardiff Blues’ only defeat in their last four first team matches was by a single point in 45 at Montpellier in the European Challenge Cup on 17th December. The Blues solitary defeat at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park in the GUINNESS PRO12 since last January was by Glasgow Warriors on November 7. Danny Wilson also makes three changes for the Blues with Cory Allen set for his first start of the GUINNESS PRO12 season while Dan Fish comes in at full-back and Jarrad Hoeata is recalled into 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," said Wilson. "We have been consistent and there is a belief in the squad that we can win these games. "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." At BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park 5pm Live on S4C Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU,15th competition game) Assistant Referees: Ian Davies, Gwyn Morris (both WRU) Citing Commissioner: Gwyn Bowden (WRU) TMO: Derek Bevan (WRU)
