Best missed the 43-0 thumping by the Ospreys because of injury as Ulster's dismal start to the season continued.

Cillian Willis replaces Paul Marshall in the squad while Darren Cave is recalled with Rob Dewey dropping out.

David Pollock, Thomas Anderson and Ian Whitten are also added to the squad for a game where Ulster will be out to end their run of four straight defeats.

Ulster are currently propping up the table after claiming only three bonus points from their opening four games.

Coach Matt Williams believes it could take up to two years before Ulster are once again a force in the league.

"We've had some pretty honest talks about that performance (against the Ospreys) and it was substandard, it's not up to our standards.

"There's two ways you can respond - you either come out and put some action on the field or drop your head and in our position you can't drop your head.

"We are in a tough position for a period of time and for the next few months the team really needs its supporters.

"For the last two to three years the team has forgotton how to win. Confidence is low and we have to re-establish that.

"There's no panic - you've got to have a two-three year plan.

"It may take one year or two. If we don't have that plan we won't get the results in two years so we have to put it in place and stick with it."

Fit-again skipper Best said that a win against Edinburgh could be the "springboard we need to turn our fortunes around".

"Edinburgh is a crucial game for us now and each member of the squad understands the importance of the match, and are ready and willing to put in a performance to be proud of," said Best.

"Every game played is important, but with the Heineken Cup next week, each member of the squad will not only be playing for the win come Friday, but for their position on the team to take on Stade next Saturday."