DEAN Richards insists that Leicester Tigers are in a no-win situation when they take on Worcester Warriors at Welford Road tomorrow (3pm).

The Sixways side face the Tigers in the Powergen Cup sixth round tie and Leicester coach Richards is aware that they are on a hiding to nothing.

"If we lose, everyone will have a go at us, and that will be the case if we win and not by a crushing scoreline," said Richards.

"Worcester have nothing to lose. They will lift their game and we are in a no-win situation."

Tigers last won the competition in 1995-96 as the Pilkington Cup and they aim to make a determined bid this season.

They lost at the Stoop in the last three seasons to Harlequins (twice) and London Irish, and Richards added: "It's not that we haven't tried.

"It's still a great competition, a bit like the FA Cup and it could lead to European qualification with a final at Twickenham."

Tigers, top of Pool One of the Heineken Cup and still in with a shout of a fifth successive Premiership title, seem to be coming good at the right time after a stuttering start to their season.

They go into the game against Worcester as clear favourites with home advantage against a side a division lower.

But Richards is taking nothing for granted. "They have a few former internationals who could pose problems," he said.

"Nnamdi Ezulike, who was with us a few seasons ago, Danny Zaltzman, Werner Swanepool, Craig Chalmers and Ben Hinshelwood are all good players and we can't take them lightly."

Tigers' backs coach Rod Kafer has warned Leicester to expect a 'stuffing' if they fail to take Worcester seriously.

"There's no doubt we should beat them, and beat them quite comfortably," said Kafer. "In saying that, that's probably the most dangerous game you can go into when you are expected to win comfortably.

"While there is that level of expectation, if we take that view into the match we are likely to get a stuffing."

Flanker Lewis Moody is a definite non-starter after his shoulder operation, but Neil Back, who suffered a cheekbone injury in the England versus South Africa match, could make a return as a replacement.

The only other doubt is flanker Josh Kronfeld with a hamstring strain.