The teams are level on 20 points apiece and, with Edinburgh 12 points ahead and qualification for the Heineken Cup next season high on the agenda, neither team can afford to lose.
"All the matches which involve any of the Welsh or the Scottish professional sides are a wee bit different because of their needs to finish well up the Celtic League in order to qualify for next year's Heineken Cup. This year the top four Welsh sides and top two Scottish sides qualify whereas the bottom place Scottish and the bottom placed Welsh sides qualify for the Parker Pen Tournaments," said Hugh. "Qualifying for the Heineken Cup is vital – and in that sense, with us level on points, this is a very big match.
"The games between Scottish sides are always tight and hard fought affairs and this one will be no different, the local rivalry always adds an extra flavour."
Glasgow gave themselves a massive confidence boost with a great 48-20 victory over previous leadersNewport Gwent Dragons, while The Borders also picked up a try bonus point in their home win over Connacht.
"The Dragons had been leading the Celtic League before the game and we knew it would be a tough challenge but our game has improved over the last month or so and this performance confirmed that improvement," said Hugh.
"I am pleased with the way we have picked up our game in all areas but our defence has shown the biggest step forward. It will be an interesting game, because The Borders have also picked up in recent weeks and are going well – I think we could have a real cracker of a game.
"They are strong at half back and back row forward Semo Sititi is a fine player but we have got the ability to put quality phases of play together and on Friday night I think it will all come down to which team manages to win the better quality possession.
"We will have Jon Petrie and Andrew Henderson available to us for selection but we have been fortunate that the guys who are our back-up during internationals are pretty good players and have done a fine job for us."