Ulster have to beat Sale Sharks on Saturday to have any hope of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Heineken Champions Cup this season.
After a terrible run of form, including an agonising last-gasp defeat away to reigning champions La Rochelle last time out, only a win will do and even then that might not be enough for Dan McFarland's men..
Ulster will need to beat Sale and hope that one of Montepllier and Clermont Auvergne lose this weekend in order to finish in the top eight.
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Here's everything you need to know about the crucial Saturday night clash in Belfast.
What time is kick-off?
The game will take place on Saturday, January 21 at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast with kick-off set for 8pm.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be aired live on Saturday, January 21st on BT Sport 2. Coverage begins at 7.45pm while kick-off is at 8pm.
For viewers outside of Ireland and the UK, beIN Sports, SuperSport and FloRugby are also broadcasting the match.
Team news
In the absence of Iain Henderson, lock Alan O’Connor will lead the Ulster men, with Wallaby Sam Carter getting the nod alongside him in the engine room.
Academy prospect Harry Sheridan, who impressed in his senior debut off the bench in La Rochelle last weekend, is rewarded with a start at blindside flanker. Sheridan can lean on the experience of Irish international Nick Timoney and Springbok star Duane Vermeulen, who join him in the back row.
Packing down in the front row are Andy Warwick, hooker Tom Stewart – who will no doubt threaten to add to his impressive tally of seven tries so far this season – and Jeff Toomaga-Allen.
Behind the pack, Nathan Doak retains the number 9 jersey, with Billy Burns returning at fly-half.
The in-form Stuart McCloskey makes a welcome return at inside centre, with James Hume also available to restore a familiar midfield partnership.
The back three remains unchanged with Jacob Stockdale – one of the five Ulster players named in the Ireland Six Nations squad earlier this week – on the left wing, Rob Lyttle on the right, and Mike Lowry patrolling the backfield.
McFarland can call upon a wealth of experience from the Ulster bench, with seven Ireland internationals ready and waiting. Rob Herring, Eric O’Sullivan, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell and Jordi Murphy will cover the forwards, with John Cooney, Ian Madigan and Ben Moxham providing the backline options.
Ulster Rugby team: (15-9): Michael Lowry, Rob Lyttle, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, Nathan Doak; (1-8): Andy Warwick, Tom Stewart, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Alan O’Connor (Capt.), Sam Carter, Harry Sheridan, Nick Timoney, Duane Vermeulen.
Replacements: Rob Herring, Eric O’Sullivan, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Jordi Murphy, John Cooney, Ian Madigan, Ben Moxham.
Match odds?
Ulster 4/9, Sale 2/1, draw 13/1
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