Marshall - ' Ulster are underdogs against Scarlets '

Ulster and Ireland international centre Luke Marshall has admitted his side are underdogs going into their clash against defending Pro14 champions the Scarlets.

"The attacking brand of rugby they play is head and shoulders above everyone else so it's a big challenge for us," Marshall told the BBC.

The Welsh side currently sit top of Conference B with a maximum 10 points from their opening two fixtures, which has seen them score 98 points in the process.

Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac has admitted that Friday night's encounter against the Belfast-based will be their toughest game since defeating Munster in last season's Pro12 final.

British & Irish Lions duo Ken Owens & Jonathan Davies are set to make their first appearances of the season at the Kingspan Stadium.

"They are back with a view to being involved on Friday,'' ''But our intention is to use them in the 23 in some shape or form." Pivac revealed.

Scarlets are also likely to include Wales internationals Leigh Halfpenny and lock Jake Ball, who both missed last weekend's bonus-point win over Zebre. Halfpenny has recovered from a foot infection, said Pivac.

Ulster are currently one-point favourites with the bookmakers but enter into the game without Marcell Coetzee and the 17-Test All Black Charles Piutau. Both players are expected to return for the fixture against Dragons next Friday.