The Scottish side are just ahead of their progress at this point last year when they had lost three of their first four games.

While the signs are good this term - dispatching new boys Zebre and edging Cardiff Blues at their spiritual home of the Arms Park - Bradley insists they must step their game up a level at Rodney Parade.

The Gunners have a poor recent record against the Dragons and haven't won in Newport since 2006 and Bradley is not expecting the Welshmen to give up that record lightly.

"This is a critical match," said Bradley. "I've been satisfied with our performances so far this season but we must continue to improve if we are to fulfil our ambitions of making the play-offs, and that means winning away from home.

"There are no easy contests in this division, especially when you're on the road, and Dragons are notoriously difficult to break down.

"Their defensive approach is quick and aggressive and puts a lot of pressure on the opposition, so the fundamentals of our game will have to be very well executed.

"We will have to be sharp and clinical to make the most of any manufactured or opportunistic chances. It will be very tough game."

Bradley has brought in Scotland internationals Ross Rennie and Allan Jacobsen amongst seven changes to the team which started last week's narrow loss at the RDS.

Former Sale hooker Andy Titterrell makes his RaboDirect PRO12 debut in place of Ross Ford, who is rested, and Greig Laidlaw is also given a breather with 20-year-old Harry Leonard replacing him.

Tim Visser returns on the wing and New Zealander Ben Atiga has shaken off a hip strain to start at centre.

Although the Dragons have not lost to Edinburgh since April 2011 they have only won one of their last eight league games, against Zebre.

But head coach Darren Edwards can count on club captain Lewis Evans to take his place in the starting XV as well as No 8 Toby Faletau after both were unused replacements against Munster.

And Edwards believes his high calibre additions could make the difference against the Scotsmen.

"I think it will make a huge difference," he said. "Lewis is our team captain and then Toby has got natural game-breaking ability and we will need that on Friday.

"We have the raw ability in the team but it's the consistency and actual levels of performance we need to improve.

"We have got to try and score points against this team. All three teams who have played them recently have struggled to do that."

At Rodney Parade, 7pm.
Referee: John Lacey (IRFU, 23rd competition game)
Assistant Referees: James Jones, Simon Rees (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Gwyn Bowden (WRU)