It's a new look back line this week, with Cai Evans returning to the starting XV at fullback, with Lesley Klim and Luke Morgan lining up on the right and left wing respectively. 22-year-old Kieran Williams makes his second start of the season at inside centre, while 20-year-old Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler will line up outside him in the midfield. Venter starts at scrumhalf, partnering up with Marty McKenzie, who is making his second appearance at flyhalf following his debut last week against Racing 92.
The front row is unchanged from last week as Nicky Smith and Ma'afu Fia pack down either side of Scott Otten at hooker. Adam Beard holds onto the number four shirt but is partnered up with Lloyd Ashley in lieu of Bradley Davies. Workhorse Lydiate maintains the captaincy and once more starts on the blindside, with Sam Cross marshalling the openside. Promising youngster Morgan Morris, who was impressive last week against the French outfit, starts again at number eight, completing the back row.
Wales U20 captain and hooker, Dewi Lake, is set to make his season debut from the bench, while front row duo, Rhys Fawcett and Simon Gardiner will also make their Ospreys debuts from the bench.
Replacements Guido Volpi and Will Jones offer some dynamism in the pack should they be used, while Welsh international Aled Davies is on standby to cover scrumhalf. Outside half Luke Price will be hoping to make his mark in La Défense Arena, as will the young flyer, Tom Williams, who covers the back three.
Ospreys team to play Racing 92 in round four of the Heineken Champions Cup at the Paris La Défense Arena on Friday 13th December, K.O 8:45pm (local time):
Starting XV:
15. Cai Evans
14. Lesley Klim
13. Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler
12. Kieran Williams
11. Luke Morgan
10. Marty McKenzie
9. Shaun Venter
1. Nicky Smith
2. Scott Otten
3. Ma'afu Fia
4. Adam Beard
5. Lloyd Ashley
6. Dan Lydiate ©
7. Sam Cross
8. Morgan Morris
Replacements
16. Dewi Lake
17. Rhys Fawcett
18. Simon Gardiner
19. Guido Volpi
20. Will Jones
21. Aled Davies
22. Luke Price
23. Tom Williams
The following players were unavailable for selection:
Alun Wyn Jones
George North
Justin Tipuric
The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:
Cory Allen
Gareth Anscombe
Dan Baker
Tom Botha
Gareth Evans
Keelan Giles
Ben Glynn
Rhys Henry
Rhodri Jones
James King
Harri Morgan
Sam Parry
Gareth Thomas
Owen Watkin
Upcoming fixtures:
Saturday 21st December -- 7:35pm -- Ospreys v Cardiff Blues, The Liberty Stadium.
Thursday 26th December -- 5:15pm -- Scarlets v Ospreys, Parc y Scarlets.
Saturday 4th January -- 3pm -- Dragons v Ospreys, Rodney Parade.