EPL leaders MK Lightning host Guildford Flames this weekend for the second consecutive Saturday, aiming to reverse last week’s 4-2 defeat.

MK never held the lead against Guildford last weekend, but showed resilience to draw level at 2-2, before two late goals put a win beyond reach.

Head Coach Pete Russell commented: “Guildford are a top team with high end talent and great experience. Last week’s game was a good game but, in all honesty, I think they edged it and got the reward at the end.

“The players and I talked after last Saturday night’s game about being more direct on the offense and getting bodies to the net at speed.

“I think we try to make the nice play all too often, but I do love working with talented players who want to be creative. I want them to be creative – but just be more direct and create a good opportunity at the end of all the hard work and nice play.”

Sheffield Steeldogs welcome Manchester Phoenix to iceSheffield on Saturday, with both teams looking to build on victories in their last games.

Sheffield comfortably disposed of Bracknell Bees, while Manchester edged a tight contest against Telford Tigers and Dogs’ defenseman Lewis Bell is excited about this weekend’s clash.

“It feels like forever since we played them at iceSheffield, said Bell. “Maybe since Hull came into the league our rivalry has fallen off a little, but Manchester are a team we want to pick the rivalry back up with, have plenty of fans of both teams in the building, making it a big game with a great atmosphere.

“We want to get it back to a couple of years ago when we had 1,000 people in the building.

“We’ve both had a similar season so far – we’ve put in performances and beat teams we shouldn’t have, but on the other hand we’ve both lost out in games too.

“I just hope we put in a consistent performance similar to the one against Milton Keynes, where we did actually show we can beat anybody.

“We were caught off guard with Manchester’s speed when we played them in Deeside and we didn’t really know about their new imports. We should be more solid in defence this time and are looking to build on our home form.”

WEEKEND FIXTURES

Saturday

Basingstoke Bison v Bracknell Bees
MK Lightning v Guildford Flames
Sheffield Steeldogs v Manchester Phoenix
Swindon Wildcats v Hull Pirates

Sunday

Bracknell Bees v MK Lightning
Hull Pirates v Basingstoke Bison
Manchester Phoenix v Swindon Wildcats
Peterborough Phantoms v Sheffield Steeldogs
Telford Tigers v Guildford Flames

(Image permission: Tony Sargent)