The two teams have had differing starts to their domestic seasons. The Ospreys have picked up just two wins from their first seven fixtures in the Guinness Pro 12, while the Chiefs are flying high in the Aviva Premiership having won their last three fixtures.
But the Ospreys turned in an improved performance in their weekend win over Zebre, with their returning World Cup stars making an impact, and Tandy knows backing that up with another home victory will be crucial if they are to reach the last eight for the first time since 2010.
“Rob is a good coach and the set-up of the club is outstanding. They really could have more respect for what they have achieved,” said Tandy.
“You have to respect Rob for how long he’s been there and the job he’s done. They have the balance right in the way they have brought in guys like Geoff Parling and Julian Salvi alongside tried and tested local boys like Cowan-Dickie and others who know what the club is about.
“They’re probably similar to us in how we develop players. It’s something we are particularly proud of too. So there are similarities between the clubs, but, ultimately, we can’t be paying them too much respect once we cross that whitewash.
“They are a smart club and everyone I have spoken to about them says it is a good environment to be in, but, as good as they are, we need to be on our mettle on Sunday and be pretty ferocious in how we attack the game.
“They are not a typical English team who will try to batter you up front. They have their own developed players like Henry Slade and Jack Nowell – they have a real all-round package. But it’s our patch and if we are to have any chance of getting out of this group we need to have a home win.”
However, the Chiefs will be full of confidence after seeing off Leicester Tigers at Sandy Park in their final Premiership fixture before the commencement of European hostilities.
“Now we know where we stand and we are very comfortable with how this first block of Premiership fixtures have gone. We can really enjoy the next couple of weeks,” said Baxter.
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