David Marty feels the force during Perpignan's loss to the Scarlets in Llanelli © Getty Images

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Matches: Perpignan 37 - 5 Scarlets

Tournaments/Tours: Heineken Cup

Teams: France | Perpignan | Scarlets | Wales

Perpignan are on course for their first Heineken Cup quarter-final appearance in two seasons but first they must overcome the challenge of the Scarlets at the Stade Aime Giral on Sunday.

Last weekend's 44-9 victory over Treviso put the French giants top of Pool 5 prior to this weekend's exertions, with Leicester level on points and hosting the group's Italian contingent this weekend.

The Scarlets will not die wondering, as is their style, and a win could still see them make the last eight if a string of results go their way. They will take confidence from their stunning 43-34 victory in the return fixture at Parc y Scarlets but will find Perpignan a different animal at home.

Perpignan - Player to Watch: Maxime Mermoz was this week recalled to the France squad for the Six Nations and will be keen to impress after some time away from the international stage.

Perpignan - Team News: Mermoz is joined in midfield by David Marty, also called up by France this week, while the international contingent is bolstered further by front-rowers Nicolas Mas and Guilhem Guirado.

Scarlets - Player to Watch: Jonathan Davies is one of the few Wales international centres still standing prior to the Six Nations and he will want to put in a big display to remind Warren Gatland of his worth to the squad.

Scarlets - Team News: Stephen Jones continues at fly-half alongside Tavis Knoyle, while Rhys Priestland is retained at fullback. Regan King has been ruled out with injury, meaning that Gareth Maule partners Davies in midfield.

Key Battle: The Scarlets were beaten into submission by the Leicester forwards last weekend and will have to withstand a similar barrage this time around if they are to prevail.

Trivia: A win for the Scarlets would see them level their all time Heineken Cup record against Perpignan at three wins apiece.

Stats: Perpignan have scored more tries (18) in this season's tournament than any other side.

Quote Unquote: "We are still in the fight, we have a difficult place to go and get a result but there is so much at stake you don't need much more motivation. For us, to still be in with an opportunity for the Heineken Cup next stages or Amlin on the last weekend is a significant step forward for this squad from where we have been and it shows the progress we've made in the last 18 months." - Scarlets boss Nigel Davies.

Prediction: The Scarlets have made a big dent in this group but do not have the grunt to finish the job off this weekend. Home win.