Carter came off the bench in last week's 28-21 defeat of the Cheetahs in his first game since suffering a serious groin injury during last year's Rugby World Cup.
His return is one of four changes to the team that beat the Cheetahs. Tom Taylor, who started in the No 10 jersey moves to second five-eighths and blindside flanker George Whitelock and prop Wyatt Crockett both return to the starting 15 with Luke Whitelock and Ben Franks moving to the bench.
Coach Todd Blackadder is confident his side aren't far off clicking after a scratchy start to the season, and they are also likely to welcome back All Blacks' skipper Richie McCaw once they return from South Africa in a fortnight.
Crusaders team to play the Lions: Israel Dagg, Sean Maitland, Robbie Fruean, Tom Taylor, Zac Guildford, Daniel Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Samuel Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Ben Franks, Tom Donnelly, Luke Whitelock, Willi Heinz, Ryan Crotty, Tom Marshall.
