THE Gwent quartet all aim to enjoy home comfort in the Principality Premiership this afternoon, writes Chris Kirwan.

Newport have enjoyed an encouraging start to the season after finishing bottom of the pile in 2014/15 and are striving for a third successive win when they welcome Llandovery to Rodney Parade (kick-off 1pm).

The Black and Ambers have enjoyed excellent away successes at Bridgend and Carmarthen Quins so will hope to keep their momentum on their own turf against the in-form Drovers, who sit a place above them in fourth.

Newport, like their three Gwent rivals, are without their Dragons academy contingent because of Monday's British and Irish Cup tune-up at Harlequins and are captained by Brendan Lampitt while Sam Cross returns next to him in the back row.

Cross Keys are buoyant after last weekend's stunning win against champions Pontypridd but face another stern test when they welcome second-placed Aberavon to Pandy Park (kick-off 2.30pm).

Third-placed Keys have won their last five while the Wizards have suffered a sole disappointment at Ponty.

The hosts, who won both of last season's meetings with Aberavon, have to tinker with a winning formula because of Monday's fixture at the Twickenham Stoop with experienced props Richard Cornock and Anthony Lott among those returning.

Ebbw Vale are looking to return to winning ways after narrow losses to Cross Keys and Llanelli when they welcome Carmarthen Quins to Eugene Cross Park (kick-off 2.30pm).

The Steelmen bring full-back Dan Haymond, centre Jordan Howells, scrum-half Chris Thomas, loosehead Ian George and flanker Luke Crocker into the XV that was edged out at Parc y Scarlets.

Last season's meetings between the sides were both close affairs, Quins 26-24 winning at the Park after withstanding late pressure before Ebbw got revenge 19-15.

Bedwas enjoyed a stunning 56-10 win against Cardiff last weekend and attempt to keep their momentum with another home encounter with Llanelli (kick-off 1pm).

Steve Law's side are still struggling for numbers in the back five of their pack with Gareth Williams playing at lock on permit from Bedlinog while 38-year-old Rhodri Edwards, who last played for the club in 2009, is among the replacements.

The visitors, meanwhile, are able to feature seven-times capped Samoa second row Maselino Paulino on their bench while their back line features dangerous Scarlets runners Harry Robinson and Jordan Williams.

Newport (v Llandovery): E Howley, W Cunliffe, H Palmer, A James, J Morris, J Mogg, R James, J Lavender, H Palmer, T Piper, D Partridge, R Jones, B Lampitt (captain), R Jenkins, S Cross. Replacements: E Whitson, J Greenfield, J Powell, J Davies, L Phillips, A Bidgood, A Robson, E Frewen.

Cross Keys (v Aberavon): E Davies, E Jones, L Andrews (captain), P Williams, N Trowbridge, J Prosser, J Leadbeater, R Cornock, E Shipp, A Lott, D Hodge, S Williams, T Lampard, S Matthews, I Jones. Replacements: D Hughes, G Carpenter, C Gould, J Perkins, P Uhi, O Howe, O Leonard, A Powell.

Ebbw Vale (v Carmarthen Quins): D Haymond, D Williams, J Howells, A Jones, R Gardner, I Smerdon, C Thomas, I George, M Williams, G Robinson, D Hudd (captain), A Sweet, L Crocker, R Kynes, E Doyle. Replacements: J Franchi, R Jones, L Bridges, J Bartlett, E Morris, T Edwards, D Langdon, C Levesley.

Bedwas (v Llanelli): K Clabby, A Evans, G Davies, A Williams, M John, J Dixon, T Rowlands, B Toms, A Rees, J Mills, G Williams, C Tucker, A Waite, G Lee (captain), S Feehan. Replacements: R Wilkes, D Preece, M Pettit, R Edwards, J Sawyer, L Crane, R Powell, M Callow.