The Crusaders are coming off a bye while the Chiefs went down 17-35 to the Hurricanes at the weekend, leaving both teams sharing the competition lead but with the Crusaders having a game in hand.
At the start of the season, the Chiefs beat the Crusaders 49-24 in Hamilton, but the Christchurch-based unit has since run into a fine run of form.
Crusaders coach Rob Penney said, "It's going to be a brutal weekend. We got a nice favour from the Hurricanes [who beat the Chiefs], and we are in a position where we are masters of our destiny.
"We're going to try to capitalise on that opportunity but it won't be easy."
All teams have evolved during the competition, and while it took some sides longer than others, everyone has started to hit their straps in these final stages.
"We're in a position now where we've got an opportunity to establish a position at the forefront. It's up to us to keep delivering."
The Chiefs would have been disappointed in their loss to the Hurricanes, and they will arrive in Christchurch wanting to rectify things.
"Chiefs-Crusaders games have been brutal, and this will be no different.
Penney said that after the season-ending injury suffered by first five-eighths Taha Kemara, they have gone with Rivez Reihana at first five-eighths after his performance against the Highlanders. It will be his first start for the season.
"Rivez has been working hard in the non-playing group while recovering from injury and leading that team, so when he came in, it was seamless.
"He's had a bit of experience now in that position. There's no anxiety around the replacements.
"James [O'Connor] has been team first. He feels totally comfortable in the role he's got at the moment."
Also returning to the backline will be centre Braydon Ennor, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, while loosehead prop Tamaiti Williams will return to a starting role.