Both sides that are battling in the league, but for very different reasons. The home side are looking for daylight between themselves and the drop zone, while the "Cookies" are Limericks only realistic chance to claim the newly formatted Ulster Bank league.
Mike Prendergast's side have been toughing it out at the top of the table and are competing with the Dublin heavy weights for the ultimate prize and are still very much in contention lying just 4 points behind leaders St Marys and they will be targeting another win over their local rivals to keep their challenge on track.
If local rumours are to be believed, than they will line out with Munster stars Ian Keatley and Johnny Murphy which if true will bolster their chances of recording their second Ulster Bank league win of the season over Shannon.
Regardless of whether Young Munster have these players or not, it will make little difference to the formidable challenge that they pose to Shannon. A combination of an abrasive pack and a backline with pace is something that have served them well over the duration of the league and with Willie Staunton's ability to knock over the penalties at will, discipline will be key for Shannon.
After a hugely moral boasting win last week in Dublin Shannon will certainly be keen to maintain their winning frame of mind. Lansdowne's stiff opposition ensured that Shannon were forced to fight tooth and nail until the final whistle in that game, but it was of immense satisfaction for Stephen Keogh's men that they held out for the vital win.
Bolstered by the presence of Irish International Felix Jones whose comeback after his lengthy injury has grabbed the rematch headlines, Shannon's team selection will deviate little from that which served them well last week.
They will however wait until the last minute before making a decision on whether captain Mossy Lawler will take part in the game after withdrawing 20 minutes into the Lansdowne road encounter with a shoulder injury sustained on the artificial surface.
Although he did take part in light training during the week, AN Other will appear beside the No .12 spot on the pre match Shannon team sheet. Aaron Spring will be a direct replacement if Lawler doesn't make it.
A shuffle in the back row will also be required as Paddy Butler returns to the Shannon fold, and that scenario will see Stephen Keogh remove himself from the starting line up.
Both sides will be targeting this game, which is expected to draw the biggest crowd of the season in Limerick. A win for both sides will be crucial for their respective aspirations. Young Munster will wear the tag of favourites with ease, but local derbies are unpredictable by nature and the opening 15 minutes will no doubt set the tone for the game.
Shannon RFC advise everyone to avoid missing any of the opening few minutes of the game, to get the Thomond park a few minutes earlier than normal. Tickets will be on sale in a few locations in and around Thomond park on the west side of the ground. It's going to busy so get there early is the message. Both the stand and the terrace will be open and entry is €10 for both with underage kids getting in free when accompanied with an adult.
Shannon
F.Jones, W.O'Connor, R.Mullane, M.Lawler/A. Spring, L.O'Dea, T.Bennett, R.Guerin, L.Hogan, J.Deegan, K.Griffin, D.Heffernan, F.Walsh, P.Butler, J.Murphy, D.Quinlan