Key Head to Heads: Ulster v Connacht

Connacht go in search of a historic win over Ulster this weekend in the first of two Irish derbies this weekend having not beaten Ulster in Belfast in over 50 years.

The visitors will feel confident despite their loss to Leinster last weekend as Ulster fell to their biggest ever defeat against Munster in round 

Here are the key head to head battles that are likely to decide the encounter:

Iain Henderson vs. Quinn Roux

Two Irish Internationals face off in the engine room. Both players have been aggressive in their approach so far this season and will look to impress Joe Schmidt in this clash.

Both players will look to provide their backs with great service from their set pieces and provide their side with front foot ball.

Marcell Coetzee vs. Paul Boyle

The younger Connacht man will face off against arguably his toughest opponent in his career to date in Marcell Coetzee. 

Coetzee was in fine form for Ulster in the opening stages of the competition before missing last weeks loss to Munster.

Boyle has impressed new Connacht coach Andy Friend with the Academy product earning 4 appearances this season and has dotted down for two tries already this season. 

John Cooney vs. Kieran Marmion

With Conor Murray's availability for the November tests still unclear, this match provides two of his potential replacements to put their hands up for selection.

Cooney returned from injury in the last match against Munster after showing good early season form - especially from the tee.

Marmion has also enjoyed a strong start to the season and has worked well in rotation with Caolin Blade. 

Cooney and Jack Carty's performance off the tee could decide the match but the two halfbacks will decide what pace the game is played.

The Midfielders: Stuart McCloskey and Angus Curtis vs. Bundee Aki and Tom Farrell

Ulster will be without the services of the in-form Darren Cave this weekend but have a solid replacement in Angus Curtis.

Bundee Aki put in a man of the match performance in his first start of the season and looked solid against Scarlets and Leinster.

Aki has carried the ball brilliantly and will look to steer his side to victory this weekend.

McCloskey has been outstanding this season as he features in the top 5 in the carries and offload categories heading into the clash.