EBBW Vale will be gunning for revenge and a boost to their bid for third place in the Premiership when they welcome Cross Keys to Eugene Cross Park this afternoon.

The Steelmen suffered a narrow 11-10 defeat when the sides met at Pandy Park in December and it should be another nail-biter today if Vale's record against Gwent rivals is anything to go by.

All of their clashes against teams under the Newport Gwent Dragons umbrella this season have been in the balance until the final whistle, with the biggest winning margin a paltry four points when Vale beat Newport 16-12 last month.

And there are certainly some fascinating head-to-heads in prospect this afternoon, especially in the packs.

Lloyd Burns has had a cracking season at hooker for Keys while Vale have opted for hard-carrying Dragons academy man Richard Wilkes ahead of in-form Mathew Williams.

Both sides have well-balanced partnerships at lock with Will Thomas and Matthew Griffin going up against Keys' duo of Ashley Sweet and Mark Curtis.

And Vale's props Marc Jones and Anthony Lott have had excellent seasons and they will look to get the upper hand against exciting prospects Dan Preece and Nathan Buck, with Lott this time getting the nod on the tighthead.

There are some dangerous runners in the backs but, as with any derby match, it will be the side that wins the battle up front that is likely to be celebrating just after 4pm.

Newport welcome Bedwas to Rodney Parade with both clubs having notched a victory apiece from their clashes this season.

The Black and Ambers produced a woeful display on their travels in December, going down to a 21-8 Premiership defeat, but gained revenge with a 21-14 Konica Minolta Cup victory in February.

Newport continue to throw in a few young faces with next season in mind, but it will be a special day for a number of older heads.

There will be a special presentation on the pitch afterwards for Will Kershaw-Naylor and Andrew Brown to mark their 100th appearances, while skipper Dai Pattison turns out for the 150th time.

The Black and Ambers should have enough in their locker to ensure it doesn't turn into a day to forget, but the Bridgefield outfit possess the grit, determination and elusive runners to ensure that they have to work hard for the win.

Key to home hopes will be the experienced half-back partnership of Matthew Thomas and Dan Griffiths, while the first-choice back row of Richard Dale, Andrew Coombs and Craig Hill should put them on the front foot.

Today's other fixture in the Premiership sees Llanelli host Llandovery, who are looking to boost their survival bid, while Aberavon and Pontypridd clash in the Konica Minolta Cup semi-final at the Arm's Park (kick-off 5.30pm and on S4C).

Premiership champions Neath take on Glamorgan Wanderers in the other last-four clash at Aberavon's Talbot Athletic Ground tomorrow (kick-off 5.05pm, also on S4C).