Harrison Keddie returns to the starting line-up, after missing the European trip to ASM Clermont Auvergne, and will pack down at Number Eight. Ross Moriarty misses the game with concussion.
Prop Lloyd Fairbrother is back in the front row while captain Cory Hill will again lead the team wearing the number six jersey.
Three changes to the back line includes a return for flying wing Jared Rosser.
Centre Jarryd Sage makes his comeback and joins forces in midfield with Adam Warren who moves over from wing.
The final change is at scrum half where Rhodri Williams will partner fly half Josh Lewis.
Richard Hibbard, Lewis Evans, Nic Cudd and Jason Tovey are recalled among the replacements as Coach Ceri Jones prepares to send his team into the first Welsh derby of the festive season.
“We’re all looking forward to the first game of this period,” said Jones. “It is a crucial time of year and we’re excited about meeting the challenge we are going to face in Cardiff.
“The breakdown is a huge part of their game, we know they are going to go heavy there, so we need to be effective over the ball. We need good width in our defensive line and our set piece has to be on top of its game.
“I thought we gave a really good account of ourselves last time we faced them at Rodney Parade, especially in the first half, but we fell away in the second half.
“If we can build on that first half performance at home, and the Clermont performance away last week, then we can go there and get a positive result.
“The players have reacted well to what has happened over the last week and I’m hopeful they will go out and give the very best performance for me, for the coaches and all the people of Gwent.”
Dragons (v Cardiff Blues): Zane Kirchner, Jared Rosser, Adam Warren, Jarryd Sage, Hallam Amos, Josh Lewis, Rhodri Williams; Ryan Bevington, Elliot Dee, Lloyd Fairbrother, Brandon Nansen, Matthew Screech, Cory Hill (c), Aaron Wainwright, Harrison Keddie
Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Gerard Ellis, Aaron Jarvis, Lewis Evans, Nic Cudd, Tavis Knoyle, Jason Tovey, Jordan Williams
