Evans starts alongside his namesake, the experienced Wayne Evans who has his first start for the Dragons after a back injury at scrum-half.
“It’s good to be back playing at Rodney Parade with my first competitive start this season,” said the number nine.
“I look forward to playing alongside Dan Evans and in front of the Dragons faithful.”
The Dragons were beaten by Bath in their first clash in the LV = Cup last week and will be hoping to bounce back against the Saints.
Hugh Gustafson, Owen Evans, Adam Jones, Nic Cudd and young gun Ieuan Jones all retain their places in the forwards.
Captain Ashley Smith reverts back to his usual position at number 12 after coming on as a replacement outside-half against Bath.
Tom Prydie also steps in at full back, replacing Hallam Amos who is injured.
Phil Dowson makes his 100th appearance for the Saints and director of rugby Jim Mallinder is expecting a tough test from the Dragons.
“We’ve never taken the LV= Cup lightly and Sunday is going to be no different,” he said.
“It’s never easy to play in Wales but we’re going to be up for it and I’m looking for an 80 minute performance to get us back to winning ways.
“We know what we’ve got to do. We need to play sensibly and in the right areas and not gift the opposition points.”
