Number eight Martin Corry will captain the side, with Tom Varndell set to return to the left wing after starring in England's Sevens victory in Dubai.
Varndell will miss England's South Africa leg of the IRB Sevens Series to help Tigers try and secure a vital Heineken Cup victory.
"The situation with Tom was something we arranged long before this, so there was never an issue," said Howard to www.leicestertigers.com. "He's 20-years-old and has got a great head on his shoulders."
Varndell's return sees Geordan Murphy revert to full-back and Sam Vesty drop to the bench.
Howard acknowledged that it was tough to drop Vesty who has been playing well at full back in recent matches.
"The back three is very competitive and I think Sam Vesty has been in very good form," he admitted.
Leon Lloyd will continue on the right wing, while Matt Cornwell partners Ollie Smith in the centre, with Andy Goode and Harry Ellis the half-back partnership.
In the front row, Darren Morris returns to the side to take his place at tighthead, with Michael Holford dropping to the bench. Alex Moreno moves to loosehead alongside George Chuter.
Louis Deacon and Ben Kay make up the second row, with Brett Deacon, Shane Jennings and captain Corry packing down alongside them.
Austin Healey will start the match on the replacements bench, along with James Buckland, Michael Holford, Leo Cullen, Luke Abraham, Sam Vesty and Dan Hipkiss.
Howard is aware of the threat Ospreys will pose to his side, he said: "They have got some very good players across the board and these are going to be fantastic back-to-back games. They are a good side and will be a fantastic challenge for us."
