A PAIR of Gwent sides will hope that their opponents' minds are elsewhere when they host Konica Minolta Cup semi-finalists this afternoon.

Ebbw Vale welcome Glamorgan Wanderers, conquerors of Newport in the last eight, to Eugene Cross Park while Aberavon, who knocked the Steelmen out, head to Pandy Park to face Cross Keys.

Vale are sitting in third place in the table and over the past week have crossed for 11 tries as they notched up back-to-back bonus point wins over Llanelli and Aberavon.

Today they face a Wanderers side that can play tremendous rugby when at their best, but who are currently 11th in the table - a position that doesn't reflect the talent in their ranks.

But there is little danger of the Steelmen underestimating Richard Hodges' side after slipping to a 16-8 defeat when the sides met back in November.

As Wanderers face a semi-final clash with Neath next Saturday, it will be interesting to see which way it goes for the visitors - whether they come out roaring to cement a place in the team or whether there is a hint of hesitancy.

The same is the case at Pandy Park where Keys will be hoping to secure victory in their last home game of the season.

It has been a good campaign for the Keys but things haven't gone well in the league of late, their win over Maesteg is their only victory in the eight games since January 12.

But a strong finish to the season can ensure a position that shows the strides made this term in the black and white of the final league table.

Keys were handed a drubbing when they visited the Talbot Athletic Ground earlier this season so will be keen to record a victory that would dent Aberavon's bid for runners-up spot.

Newport travel west to face a Llanelli side that have really struggled of late - a plight that can be put down to the inexperience of their side.

The Stradey Park side throw their youngsters into the mix all season, something that should be applauded, but it does mean they can sometimes be exposed by their more seasoned opponents.

That happened last week when Ebbw Vale headed home with a bonus point after dominating at the breakdown and Newport will bid to follow their lead.

After winning the fixture at Rodney Parade 33-19, Newport will be hoping for a repeat of the double they recorded over Llanelli in 2005-6.

Other fixtures: Bedwas v Bridgend, Llandovery v Swansea, Pontypridd v Maesteg, Cardiff v Neath (Sunday at 4pm live on S4C).