It is the Saints' third Anglo-Welsh semi-final in the past four seasons, and while it is the first tournament meeting between the sides since November 2008 Sunday's game will be the third time the Saints and Scarlets will have clashed in 2011/12.
So far it is one win apiece, with each side coming out on top on opposition turf. But with a place in the first final of 2012 at stake Mallinder says there is plenty of incentive for the Saints to step things up this weekend.
"This weekend is a semi-final. It's exciting and a chance to win something," he told SaintsTV this week. "We've got a home draw, but we've played Scarlets at home already this season and lost, so we've got to be on our guard.
"They're a successful side with players who like to play expansive rugby. They're well coached and while they like to put the ball through the hands they've got some good forwards as well.
"But if we play well we can win and get through to the final. Looking at the forecast it's looking like it's going to be dry and we're looking forward to playing some rugby."
Tickets for Sunday's semi-final remain available, with prices starting from just £18 for juniors and concessions and £28 for adults. The Saints Ticket Office is open until 5pm on Friday, between 9am and 12noon on Saturday and from 9am on Sunday.
Alternatively book online throughout the weekend via www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/tickets
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS TEAM TO PLAY SCARLETS
LV= Cup Semi-Final
Franklin's Gardens
Sunday, March 11th, 2012
Kick off 1:00pm
15 Paul DIGGIN
14 Vasily ARTEMYEV
13 George PISI
12 Tom MAY
11 Scott ARMSTRONG
10 Stephen MYLER
9 Martin ROBERTS
1 Alex WALLER
2 Andy LONG
3 Paul DORAN JONES
5 Christian DAY
6 Calum CLARK (capt)
7 Tom WOOD
8 Roger WILSON
Replacements
16 Ross MCMILLAN
17 Soane TONGA'UIHA
18 Tom MERCEY
19 Mark SORENSON
20 Ben NUTLEY
21 Ryan GLYNN
22 Ryan LAMB
23 James DOWNEY
