Munster skipper Paul O'Connell, a leading candidate for thew Lions captaincy this summer, returns to the line-up along with fellow Irish internationals Tomas O'Leary and Denis Leamy.
The Ospreys are boosted by the return to fitness of the IRB World Player of the Year, Shane Williams, after his troublesome shoulder injury.
The game at the Liberty Stadium will see the top two teams in the Magners League - the Ospreys are currently on top - looking to make a statement at the start of the New Year.
Missing from the Munster squad is Ireland and Lions outside half Ronan O'Gara, who is hoping his slight hamstring strain will clear in time for next week's Heineken Cup game with Sale Sharks in Limerick.
