With their Magners League already stuttering badly, it's not inconceivable Ulster's season will be done and dusted by the second week of November. A sobering thought.

The good news, amongst all that potential gloom, is that Ulster's home record in this competition is second to few.

On the opening weekend of last season's competition, they trounced Toulouse 30-3 and Gloucester are certainly not anywhere as good as the French side. What Dean Ryan's side are, however, is well-organised and resilient, with just enough of a splash of speed and cuteness out wide to keep most on their toes.

Still, no matter how good Gloucester are on the night, you get the feeling this will be decided by how good Ulster play. If they're as damn awful as they were in the first half against Leinster last weekend, we don't hold out much hope but if they can sustain the energy and creativity they showed in the second period for 80 minutes, they'll have more than a fighting chance.

They'll need big performances from Neil Best, Justin Harrison and Rory Best, their three most experienced forwards, while Andrew Trimble and David Humphreys, after the latter's heroics against Leinster, will also be key to any potential victory. As will the province's vociferous supporters. There are few more intimidating venues than the Belfast ground at full throttle. Their team really need them to be at their loudest. Back in January 2005, Ulster beat Gloucester 14-12 in this very competition at Ravenhill. A repeat of that scoreline will do just nicely.