The same XV which lost to 28-9 to the Blues will start against the Scarlets and the bench sees just one change with Lewis Evans coming in for Darren Waters.
The Dragons have had a disappointing start to their RaboDirect PRO12 campaign, winning just two of their opening ten matches this season. That run of results leaves them second from bottom and just two points above Italian side Aironi.
Darren Edwards’ side though are unbeaten at home in the tournament this season and have won the last three games at Rodney Parade against Welsh opponents.
The Scarlets moved up to sixth thanks to their 22-14 victory over rivals the Ospreys at a packed Parc y Scarlets on Boxing Day.
In contrast the Scarlets have retained just one player in the starting line-up from the team that beat the Ospreys on Boxing Day.
“I have made this team selection based on a strong belief that this is the right team to take to Rodney Parade and get a result,” said head coach Nigel Davies.
“There’s a potent balance of quality experience with fresh ambition from a number of emerging players who have shown great enthusiasm, talent and commitment to our shirt already this season.
“Given the physical impact of our last game coupled with a tight turnaround and the block of rugby ahead of us, it’s good that we have the depth building in our squad now where we are able to train and prepare two separate teams in this way.
“The players across our group are eager to front up and that level of hunger and competition in our squad is something we should feel very positive about.
“We don’t underestimate the size of the task ahead of us on Friday night but neither should anyone underestimate the competition for places within our squad and how close some of the calls on selection currently are.”
“We are clear as a squad how important these games are for our season. We have respect for the Newport Gwent Dragons; whenever you go up to Rodney Parade you’re aware they have a very good home record, they will be physical and manage the contact area well and will be expecting to win in front of a home crowd.
“It will be a big challenge for us, but we’ve got a fresh and eager Scarlets team who are keen to go there and fight our cause in our shirt – so that will to win will be strong in both sides and should be another great derby contest.”
Newport Gwent Dragons:
Martyn Thomas, Tonderai Chavhanga, Adam Hughes, Lewis Robling, Aled Brew, Jason Tovey; Wayne Evans; Nathan Williams, Lloyd Burns, Nathan Buck, Adam Jones, Rob Sidoli, Danny Lydiate, Gavin Thomas (c), Toby Faletau.
Replacements:
Steve Jones, Phil Price, Dan Way, Jevon Groves, Lewis Evans, Joe Bedford, Andy Tuilagi, Will Harries.
Scarlets:
15 Dan Newton, 14 Viliame Iongi, 13 Adam Warren, 12 Gareth Maule (capt), 11 Andy Fenby, 10 Stephen Jones , 9 Rhodri Williams, 1 Phil John, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Deacon Manu, 4 Sione Timani, 5 Dominic Day, 6 Josh Turnbull, 7 Johnathan Edwards, 8 Kieran Murphy.
Replacements: Emyr Phillips, Iestyn Thomas, Peter Edwards, Lou Reed, Richie Pugh, Gareth Davies, Aled Thomas, Daniel Evans.
