NEWPORT must raise their game when they welcome Llanelli to Rodney Parade this afternoon if they are to avoid becoming embroiled in a Principality Premiership relegation dogfight.

The Black and Ambers had hoped that a win against leaders Ebbw Vale on their own turf would spark their season into life but instead they lost all four October fixtures.

If they lose to Llanelli this afternoon in their last game for three weeks then they will nervously looking over their shoulders at bottom club Neath, who visit Rodney Parade for what promises to be a crunch clash on November 22.

The Black and Ambers are without skipper Ollie Griffiths and wing Ashton Hewitt, who are on Dragons duty in Belfast.

They are also hindered by a lengthy injury list but Sam Waldron should add some bite in the back row on his first start of the season.

Cross Keys ring the changes on their return to Premiership action following three tough British and Irish Cup fixtures.

They head to Neath with a number of stalwarts back in the squad and will keen to avoid a banana skin at the Gnoll as they attempt to keep pace with the leaders.

Ebbw Vale are currently on top of the pile with four wins from five and today they welcome Aberavon to Eugene Cross Park. The Wizards are one from bottom but the Steelmen know that there is no room for complacency.

Bedwas have never won at Sardis Road but head to Pontypridd on the back of a super win and performance against Newport.

Steve Law’s side pushed the champions hard last season before a pair of late scores meant they didn’t even have the consolation of a losing bonus point from a 42-31 reverse.

They will need to produce another feisty display if they are to once again challenge Ponty.

Newport (v Llanelli): G O’Driscoll, L Morgan, D Robinson, J Murphy, E Frewen, J Mogg, O Davies, J Greenfield, H Gustafson, A Jeffries, Adam Brown (captain), A Frampton, S Waldron, R Jenkins, S Cross. Replacements: D Rogers, E Whitson, L Jenkins, C Davies, S Feehan, J Lewis, A Quick, B Nightingale.

Cross Keys (at Neath): R Lee, N Williams, L Andrews (captain), A James, P Uhi, D Jones, J Leadbeater, L Garrett, D Hughes, A Lott, D Hodge, S Williams, R Tucker, S Matthews, A Powell. Replacements: J Howard, R Cornock, C Gould, J Condy, C Townsend, E Jones, L Jones, T Lampard.

Bedwas (at Pontypridd): H Thomson, S Taylor, M Callow, A Pinches, R Budina, R Powell, L Crane, B Toms, A Rees, M Pettit, P Rees, J Walker, A Lee, J Sawyer, D Crimmins. Replacements: R Hutcherson, I Jenkins, J Mills, J Richards, J Hayward, J Smith, J Maynard, M John.