Alan Quinlan, James Blaney and Redmond Collins are all out through injury.
Meanwhile, Belfast Harelquins use the opportunity of the visit of second placed UL Bohemians to play their first game at new HQ, Deramore Park.A win for Harlequins will copperfasten their return to the top flight.
Shannon. John Lacey; Tom Cregan, Maurice Lawlor, Andrew Thompson, Fiach O'Loughlin; Niall Mc Namara, Derek Hegerty; Marcus Horan, Mike Hayes, Gary McNamara; Brian Buckley, Tom Hayes; Garth Noonan, Colm McMahon, David Quinlan.
Saturday's Fixtures. (2.30 unless stated).
Division One: Ballymena v Blackrock, Eaton Park; Clontarf v Terenure, Castle Avenue; Cork Constitution v Garryowen, Temple Hill; Galwegians v Young Munster, Crowley Park; Lansdowne v Buccaneers, Lansdowne Road; Shannon v Carlow, Thomond Park; St Mary's v Dunngannon, Templeville Road; UCD v DLSP, Belfield.
Division Two: Ballynahinch v UCC, Ballymacarn Park; Bective Rangers v Sunday's Well, Donnybrook; Belfast Harlequins v UL Bohemians, Deramore Park; Dolphin v Barnhall, Musgrave Park; Malone v Thomond, Malone; Midleton v City of Derry Towns Park; Old Belvedere v Portadown, Anglesea Road; Old Crescent v Wanderers, Rosbrien.
Division Three: Ballina v Instonians, Heffernan Park; Banbridge v Corinthians, Rifle Park; Bangor v Skerries, Upritchard Park; Clonakilty v Old Wesley, Shannonvale Cross; Greystones v Connemara, Dr Hickey Park; Monkstown v Waterpark, Sydney Parade; Naas v Richmond, Fournaughts; Suttonians v Dublin University, Memorial Grounds.