Jack Oliver will make his first start for Warriors in Johannesburg tomorrow, having been selected at scrum-half.
The 22-year-old is one of nine changes to the team that took the field against RC Toulon last weekend, as Franco Smith's side look to hold their place in a tightly contested URC playoff race.
Former Scotland U20 second-rower Ryan Burke could also make his senior professional debut after being named among the replacements for the first of two successive fixtures in South Africa.
An entirely new front row sees Seb Stephen start at hooker, with Rory Sutherland and Fin Richardson joining him.
Jare Oguntibeju and Alex Samuel continue their partnership in the second row.
Jack Dempsey remains at number eight, while Euan Ferrie and Sione Vailanu come into the back row to join the Scotland international.
Oliver links up with Dan Lancaster in the half-backs.
Stafford McDowall moves to inside centre and takes over the captaincy from the rested Kyle Steyn, while Huw Jones comes into the midfield at outside centre.
The back three features Kyle Rowe and Josh McKay alongside Fergus Watson, who earns a starting spot after impressing on his senior debut against Benetton last month.
Burke is part of a six-two split between forwards and backs on the bench, with fellow academy prospect Dylan Cockburn also included among the replacements.
Nathan McBeth returns from injury to provide front-row cover alongside Gregor Hiddleston and Zander Fagerson, while Angus Fraser offers back-row cover in the number 21 shirt.
The backline replacements are Ben Afshar and Sione Tuipulotu, both of whom move to the bench after starting against Toulon last weekend.
Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: "The Lions pose one of the toughest away tests in the BKT URC, defending a strong home record as they chase a place in the playoffs.
"Their brand of rugby can cause problems for any team, with a blend of physical forwards and backs that can run the ball from anywhere on the field.
"It is a test that we have prepared for in training this week, and one that we know we must be at our best to meet."
15 Josh McKay (77)
14 Kyle Rowe (48)
13 Huw Jones (85)
12 Stafford McDowall (Captain ) (112)
11 Fergus Watson (1)
10 Dan Lancaster (18)
9 Jack Oliver (5)
1 Rory Sutherland (22)
2 Seb Stephen (16)
3 Fin Richardson (14)
4 Jare Oguntibeju (19)
5 Alex Samuel (52)
6 Euan Ferrie (54)
7 Sione Vailanu (39)
8 Jack Dempsey (65)
Substitutes
16 Gregor Hiddleston (43)
17 Nathan McBeth (66)
18 Zander Fagerson (171)
19 Dylan Cockburn (1)
20 Ryan Burke (0)
21 Angus Fraser (29)
22 Ben Afshar (36)
23 Sione Tuipulotu (82)
Unavailable for selection: Gregor Brown (hamstring), Alex Craig (foot), Scott Cummings (calf), Jamie Dobie (shoulder), Matt Fagerson (hamstring), George Horne (ankle), Charlie Savala (knee), Tavi Tuipulotu (knee), Max Williamson (knee).