PLYMOUTH Albion make two personnel changes – and four positional – for tonight's Championship clash at Coventry (7.45pm).

Ryan Hopkins replaces Danny Porte at tight-head prop while Mike Lewis comes in for Tom Skelding at lock.

However, it is the four positional changes in the backs which will raise most eyebrows among Albion supporters.

Sione Tu'ipulotu moves from centre to full-back, Gary Kingdom switches from full-back to the wing, Ben Mercer will play at outside centre having started last week against Doncaster on the wing and Keni Fisilau moves from the number 13 shirt to inside centre.

Tongan international Tu'ipulotu was not expected to feature having damaged medial knee ligaments in Albion's 21-6 home defeat to Doncaster last Saturday.

But, despite having to pass a fitness test, he is expected to play tonight.

However, James Owen, who missed the Doncaster clash with an elbow injury, is a major doubt.

"Sione has to come through a fitness test, but he has said he should be fit to play," said chairman of rugby Graham Dawe.

"James Owen is no more than 50/50."

Dawe added of the four positional changes: "Sione has played at full-back before and both Keni and Ben started the season at centre – it is no major deal."

The two personnel changes see Hopkins return to the front-row for his seventh start of the season.

Lewis' inclusion at lock is only his third start this term.

"Danny was moved from loose-head to play tight-head against Doncaster and he did well," said Dawe.

"But it is about the three senior props sharing the workload.

"Danny Porte could possibly be covering hooker as well."

Dawe added of Lewis replacing Skelding: "Tom has been doing really well, but it is only fair that Mike gets a start.

"It is a tough game to come back into the team, but Mike has got to slot straight back in and try and show us that he deserves to nail down a starting spot."

Lewis will be determined to make the most of his opportunity as fellow lock Tyler Hotson is set to miss three Albion matches next month due to international commitments.

Canada will play three Tests – two against Japan on November 15 and 20 and one against Russia on November 28.

"Tyler is off with the Canadian squad in November, so this is a chance for Mike to show everyone what he can do," said Dawe.

Albion flanker Darren Clayton retains his place in the side so he will face his former club for the first time since joining Plymouth in the summer.

Albion: Sione Tu'ipulotu, Gary Kingdom, Ben Mercer, Keni Fisilau, Liam Gibson, Kieran Hallett (capt), Ruairi Cushion, Martin Rice, Joe Clark, Ryan Hopkins, Mike Lewis, Tyler Hotson, Sean-Michael Stephen, Darren Clayton, Kyle Marriott. Reps (from): Alex Davies, Mark Lee, David Morton, Danny Porte, James Owen, Tom Skelding, Wayne Sprangle, Rory Watts-Jones.

DON'T MISS TOMORROW'S HERALD FOR ACTION AND REACTION FROM TONIGHT'S BIG GAME