Cardiff v Northampton: Teams

Jamie Roberts returns to action for the first time this season having been named on the Cardiff bench for Sunday's must-win Heineken Cup fixture against Northampton Saints.

The Cardiff City Stadium clash gives the Saints and Blues a chance to renew acquaintances just eight days after meeting at Franklin's Gardens.

While a win for the Saints would consolidate their lead at the top of Pool One, a success for the Blues would keep matters wide open with two games remaining.

Roberts injured his wrist on the Lions tour of South Africa in 2009 and underwent surgery this summer but returns in the only change from the Blues' match-day squad that faced Northampton last Saturday.

"We have to win. If we don't, we're out of the competition, but also we have to make sure that Northampton leave with nothing," said Cardiff boss David Young.

"There are still two games left after Sunday and the Saints have to visit Castres, which is always difficult, and we may have to hope that somebody does us a favour.

"I believe we have to win our next three games, and if we do, we are still in with a chance of reaching the quarter finals."

Tough

Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder said Northampton are prepared for another difficult match.

"We have had a promising start to our Heineken Cup campaign but Sunday represents a massive challenge for us," said Mallinder.

"It was a tough battle last Saturday, mentally as well as physically, and this weekend will be the same.

"Cardiff didn't lose at home in Europe last season and will want to keep that record. This means that we will have to be at our best to get a positive result, making sure that we play on the edge but not going over the top."

Cardiff Blues: 15 Chris Czekaj, 14 Richard Mustoe, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Tom Shanklin, 11 Tom James, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Richie Rees, 8 Xavier Rush, 7 Martyn Williams, 6 Maama Molitika, 5 Paul Tito, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Faao Filise, 2 Gareth Williams, 1 Gethin Jenkins
Replacements: 16 Rhys Williams, 17 Sam Hobbs, 18 John Yapp, 19 Michael Paterson, 20 Sam Warburton, 21 Tom Slater, 22 Ceri Sweeney, 23 Jamie Roberts

Northampton Saints: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 James Downey, 11 Paul Diggin, 10 Steve Myler, 9 Ryan Powell, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Tom Wood, 6 Phil Dowson, 5 Christian Day, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Soane Tongauiha
Replacements: 16 Brett Sharman, 17 Regardt Dreyer, 18 ALex Waller, 19 Mark Sorenson, 20 Calum Clark, 21 Lee Dickson, 22 Shane Geraghty, 23 Joe Ansbro