Glasgow v Scarlets: Champions Cup preview
Last Updated: 12/12/15 3:01pm
Glasgow Warriors coach Gregor Townsend says defeat against Scarlets on Saturday would probably end their Champions Cup hopes.
Glasgow were beaten 26-15 by Northampton in their only foray into Europe this season after their opener against Racing 92 was postponed.
"We know it's really important because if we do lose then it's advantage to Racing and Northampton in the Pool," said Townsend on the EPC Rugby website
"We've only played one game and we need to make sure we're still in this competition after these two games. We've still got five games to go, and I think for a team to qualify they need to win four out of six.
"They would be very lucky to get through with only three out of six. We know what's up against us and we need to rise to the challenge."
Scarlets sit top of the Guinness PRO 12 table but will also be looking to get back on track in Europe after losing their opening fixtures to the Saints and Racing.
However, they are without a host of first-team regulars. Up front, prop Rob Evans is sidelined after an ankle injury and blood infection, while hooker Ken Owens is struggling with a toe injury and lock Jake Ball has a groin problem.
Back rower John Barclay will miss out on facing his former club with a shoulder issue and Aaron Shingler needs a rest to alleviate some general wear and tear.
Behind the scrum DTH van der Merwe, another former Warrior, is also unavailable after hurting a thumb, and Tom Williams has a shoulder strain.
Coach Wayne Pivac, who was already without long-term absentees Liam Williams and Scott Williams, said the call-offs were unfortunate but backed his squad to step up to the plate.
"We had a lot of injury problems last year but I am learning quickly it is quite commonplace," he said.
"But we have to learn from situations, if you do not listen to your body you get injuries.
"We have a number of big games coming up so it is about managing this period. Obviously it is not ideal but this gives a big opportunity to some of the younger guys in our squad to put their hand up and game some experience at this very high level. We have to roll our sleeves up."
Glasgow: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 13 Alex Dunbar, 12 Peter Horne, 11 Tommy Seymour, 10 Duncan Weir, 9 Mike Blair; 1 Ryan Grant, 2 James Malcolm, 3 Sila Puafisi, 4 Leone Nakarawa, 5 Jonny Gray (c), 6 Josh Strauss, 7 Simone Favaro, 8 Adam Ashe
Replacements: 16 Shalva Mamukashvili, 17 Jerry Yanuyanutawa, 18 Zander Fagerson, 19 Tim Swinson, 20 Rob Harley, 21 Grayson Hart, 22 Finn Russell, 23 Sean Lamont.
Scarlets: 15 Steff Evans, 14 Harry Robinson, 13 Regan King, 12 Gareth Owen, 11 Michael Tagicakibau, 10 Steve Shingler, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Phil John, 2 Emyr Phillips (c), 3 Rhodri Jones, 4 George Earle, 5 Tom Price, 6 Lewis Rawlins, 7 Tom Phillips, 8 Morgan Allen.
Replacements: 16 Kirby Myhill, 17 Dylan Evans, 18 Samson Lee, 19 Maselino Paulino, 20 Jack Condy, 21Rhodri Williams, 22 Aled Thomas, 23 Michael Collins.
Watch Glasgow v Scarlets live on Sky Sports 3 HD on Saturday from 12.45pm. Catch the match for £6.99 on NOW TV. No contract.