WORCESTER Wolves head coach Matt Newby is hoping to build winning momentum tonight as his side host Cheshire Phoenix in the British Basketball League at the Worcester University Arena (7pm tip).

Newby knows wins this weekend against Cheshire tonight and then on Sunday against Bristol Flyers could push Wolves up the league table and change the outlook on the 20/21 campaign.

"It’s the first time we meet both franchises in championship play and should we win out this weekend we will move to a 4 – 4 record which will be a platform to push beyond the middle order of the league," said Newby.

"With two games against the Leicester Riders in the near future we know we must go up a gear again.

"The Friday night fixture against Cheshire will be tough, Coach Ben Thomas has been critical of his teams output and efforts in recent weeks and will looking for a result to lift them out of the bottom four places."

Newby will come up against a former player of his in the opposition coaching team as Thomas played under the Wolves coach at Leeds.

"Ben played for me at Leeds Carnegie and has a great basketball IQ and this has translated really well in to his role as a coach," he said.

"Coach Thomas will be looking for his high level interior Jimbo Lull, returnee Jalen Hayes and dynamic back court duo Kahon Ross and Mike Mcall to continue their good form.

"The Phoenix offensively have a decent framework and on any given night can score in volume and therefore we need to be at our best to negate the individual outputs of key personnel and stay connected defensively to disrupt their scheme.

"We also see former UOW student athlete and Worcester Wolves guard Disraeli Lufadeju in a Phoenix jersey this evening, I had the pleasure of coaching Dizzy at Leeds Force and his work ethic attitude and energy are first rate.

"This is not an easy team to beat and they have already proved they can run with the best with very close games against London Lions and Newcastle Eagles respectively."