Danny Wilson’s side go into the clash on the back of a four-match unbeaten streak, following a draw at Ulster’s Kingspan Stadium and wins over Ospreys, Zebre and Newport Gwent Dragons.
Meanwhile, Stade Francais head into tonight’s fixture with confidence, haing lifted the Challenge Cup last week, following a 25-17 win over Gloucester at Murrayfield.
The winner of tonight’s match will visit the winner of the Northampton v Connacht clash in the final.
The last time the two sides faced off was in 2007, with Cardiff Blues running out 31-21 winner at Cardiff Arms Park following tries from Jamie Robinson, Paul Tito and Tom James.
Three changes have been made to Cardiff Blues’ side that beat Newport Gwent Dragons at Caerphilly RFC earlier in the month.
Ellis Jenkins will captain the side at the French capital, with Rhys Gill, Josh Navidi and Tom James returning to full fitness to take their place in the starting XV.
Playing alongside James in the back three are Matthew Morgan and Alex Cuthbert, who is set to make his 100th Cardiff Blues appearance.
Willis Halaholo and Rey Lee-Lo continue their partnership in midfield, while Gareth Anscombe and Lloyd Williams link up at half back.
Matthew Rees starts at hooker, with Kristian Dacey ruled out and Nick Williams partners Navidi and Jenkins in the back row.
Stade Francais have made eight changes to the side that beat Gloucester in Edinburgh, with South African internationals Morne Steyn and Willem Alberts coming into the starting line-up.
Sergio Parisse captains the Parisians, while Julian Dupuy replaces Will Genia at scrum half and Rabah Slimani drops to the bench.
What They Said
Danny Wilson insists Cardiff Blues’ recent form can give his side confidence going into Friday’s clash, despite a huge challenge awaiting them at the Stade Jean Bouin.
"It's been a long season but we finished seventh to qualify for a play-off, it's a one-off game against Stade in Paris.
"It an opportunity to play against some of the big stars in European rugby, it's a great occasion that all the boys are looking forward to.
"They were pretty dominant against Gloucester in most aspects of the game, they played some good rugby but that's complemented by an outstanding scrum, which is probably one of the best in Europe.
"But our form recently is good, coming off three wins and a draw in our last four. We have some form and performances, which give us confidence going into this game. If we can get pace and tempo into the game then we can cause them problems.”
Anton Peikrishvili is hoping the peak of Stade’s Challenge Cup triumph last week could potentially play into his side’s hands, and hopes to return to Cardiff with a victory.
“It will be a big game at the end of the season, and we are all in a good shape, fit and ready for a special game for Cardiff Blues because we want to play in the Champions Cup next year.
“It will be a great game for us, but a big challenge to face the Challenge Cup winners, and I hope the boys from Stade have enjoyed last weekend a little bit more than they needed to!
“For us, we hope to come back to Cardiff with a big win.
“I spoke with my friend [Stade Francais prop] Zurab Zhavania on the phone on Sunday to say congratulate him and ask him some questions like whether they will play Slimani or Parisse!
“But we are going there to play rugby and hopefully we can win and then enjoy a little bit in Paris. It’s always a pleasure to be there, in the City of Love!”
Gareth Anscombe is aware of Stade Francais’ strength in the forwards but believes his side have the potential to take on any side when on form.
"We would have liked a better year but we go into a play-off now for the top cup in Europe and it's those big competitions you want to be involved in.
"They (Stade) were pretty impressive. They have a massive pack, their scrum caused Gloucester a lot of trouble and they have some man mountain's in the tight five.
"They've probably been the form team in the Top 14 in the last four or five weeks, they played well against Racing and have a great stadium and good fan base.
"It's a bit different and something none of us have experienced before. We want to play in the Champions Cup and if we can do that it will be massive for the club.
"At times this year we have shown what we're capable of, we're a team with plenty of promise but we have to be more consistent and that's our challenge next year.
"But we certainly feel when we have our best team out and we play the way we're capable of we can challenge any side.”