The fifth inter-pro derby of the season takes place on Saturday in Thomond Park, where Munster will host Ulster at 17:15.
Both provinces will struggle to field experienced and quality 23s, given injuries and sickness, but just how even the playing field will be is still unclear, with the uncertainty around Ulster's gastroenteritis problems.
The two sides will also be without those who were names in Ireland's main Autumn Series squad, while Munster have also announced that the likes of Thomas Ahern, Liam Coombes, and Jack O'Sullivan will all be heading for scans this week following their defeat to Leinster on Saturday.
For these reasons, Stephen Ferris, who spoke to Balls in association with Ladbrokes.com, feels that Ulster will come away with a victory in Thomond and continue their URC momentum, while Munster languish in a period of transition.
Ferris Backs A Weakened Ulster In URC Showdown
"Apparently it is roughly around twenty lads who got pretty ill from the Ulster setup. You've 20 lads, but there's maybe a squad of 30/35 out there.
"You've still got 10/12 lads that are fresh, they make their way home, didn't play against the Sharks side, so they didn't get beaten up too much. Good victory against the Lions the week before. They'll be chomping at the bit ready to go.
"Then they've got a big squad at home, another then or fifteen lads that can easily step in and play URC rugby. So I don't think there's any worry of Ulster trying to field a half decent squad against Munster, I don't think there'll be any trouble with that.
It's just flying fatigued, and this goes for everybody, then you ave to drive to Limerick, four to five hours on the Friday, stay over, then get yourself up to play in a match which probably the team sheets might have read a little differently if they hadn't of gotten sick.
So there's a lot of things to juggle, but I think this Ulster side can still beat Munster this weekend, I think they can.
Stephen Ferris Back Ulster To Get The Win At Thomond
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"I think that Munster are in a place this minute where they're still a work in progress, they're still getting use to their new coaches," continued Ferris.
"They're going to be missing some of their internationals; Tadhg Beirne, Joey Carbery, Peter O'Mahony..... Coombes I think as well might be out and the obviously you've got all the injuries with Zebo, Earls, Conway, Healy.
"So you kind of go, well Ulster might be fielding a weakened side but Munster will be fielding an even weaker side at home. I think that's going to balance things out a lot more, and I think Ulster are in a really good place after that win against the Lions and they'll fancy their chances against Munster,
"I think the last time they won down in Thomond Park was 2014. So it's a long time coming and they'll be looking to try and get a bit of revenge, and keep this momentum going because Ulster are in a good place at the minute."
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