EBBW Vale face the sternest test of their credentials when they host the Welsh Premier Division's 'hot' side, Bridgend, at Eugene Cross Park tonight.

The Brewery Field side are on an impressive run of ten successive league and cup wins, including a 29-0 home shut-out of champions Newport and away wins at Caerphilly, Llanharan (cup), Newbridge, Bedwas, Aberavon and Llandovery.

"Every team in the division tends to have a winning run at some stage," said Vale team manager Alun Harries, "and at the moment it's Bridgend.

"Up until just before Christmas it was us (nine wins in ten), and that run started with a victory at Bridgend (26-18).

"They were disappointing that night and doubtless will be keen on revenge.

"Their pack have been going well lately and they have a talented young backs line but we are hopeful of completing the double."

Lock Gareth Jones remains doubtful with a shoulder injury while Huw Sparks is still out with a knee ligament injury and Australian prop Ben Coutts is suspended. The club again borrow hooker Peter Harrison on permit from Caerphilly.

Ebbw Vale: A McLaughlan, K Owen, J Hawker, D Phillips, A Bevan, J Williams, S Headington (from) D Alexander, G Burns, L Davies, C Thomas, P Harrison, K Faletau, R Aylett, M Griffin, R Bowen, C Cleaver, M Tuipulotu, M Scudamore, T Mabbott.

Kick-off 7.30pm.

l Cross Keys host a Llanharan side desperate for points at Pandy Park tonight and are anticipating a tough clash.

"Every game for them from now on is a like a cup final," said Keys backs coach Nicky Lloyd.

"It was close when we played down there (21-17 to Keys). They came back from 21-0 down and played some lovely rugby and, to be honest, I'm surprised they have not picked up more points judging on that performance.

"We were disappointing at Pontypridd last time (beaten 41-11) and we have had two or three off days away from home, but we will be disappointed if we lose tonight.

"What we don't want to do now is undermine all the good work we have done up to this point and we want to finish as high up the table as we can."

Flanker Ben Watkins and outside half Scott Mitchell miss tonight's game through one-match bans for accumulating three yellow cards while with other back row men Ty Morris and Rhys Peebles injured and Will Thomas unavailable, Keys include Richard East on permit from Risca on the bench.

Cross Keys: D Miles, M McKee, N Williams, D Dark, D Price, O Biddescombe, G Betts, J Price, G Price, C Gould, D Hudd, G Wilson, M Curtis, D Tovey, Rhys Williams. Replacements: G Worgan, Rhodri Williams, L Humphries, I George, G Horrigan, D Evans, R East. Kick-off 7.15pm.

l Pontypool face a tough trip to in-form Pontypridd but travel in confidence hoping to build on their first away win of the season at Llanharan on their last away venture.

"Pontypridd may be on a bit of a run (seven league and cup wins in a row), but so are we (five from six)," said Pontypool team manager Gordon Thomas.

"There is no doubt we have played poorly away from home, but a number of losses have been by small margins and hopefully now we have turned the corner.

"Our youngsters are finding their feet and there is a real confidence and we are certainly going to Pontypridd looking for a win and not just to make up the numbers. We are looking for league respectability."

Pontypool: D Smith/A Tackel, C Jones, A Sliczney, N Lewis/D Luki, A Egford, M Jones/G Jenkins, N Giles, H Jones, N Blake, M Amos/D Cox, M Collins, D Gibbs, L Burns, A Coombes, I Davies, U Moa, AN Other, AN Other, AN Other. Kick-off 7.15pm.

l Bedwas are at Caerphilly and are expecting a very tough derby against rivals fighting for their Premier Division existence.

"There is a lot of interest locally," admitted Bedwas coach Steve Law, "and the manner in which we lost to them at home back in October adds a little spice to the game.

"That was a smash and grab raid on their part but it was the same when we won there the season before and games between the sides are usually close.

"Caerphilly this season have played far under their potential but have done better lately without getting the results they have deserved.

"I have no doubt they will again raise their game against us but hopefully, if we play in the manner we did last time at Llanharan, we will get a result."

Bedwas: N Gittings, S Sankala, D Jones, A Harrison, N Hill, A James, R Phillips, J Tilley, P McGhee, J Salter, R Edwards, A Evans, P Wheeler, D Mattravers, C Hill. Replacements to be announced. Kick-off 7.15pm.