BIRMINGHAM Knights will make the short trip down to the University of Worcester Arena for the dubious honour of being Wolves’ festive opponents tonight (7pm).

Traditionally, the visitors’ locker room has been occupied by Leicester Riders, who are usually challenging for silverware.

This year, it is the British Basketball League newcomers from Birmingham who will hope to deny Worcester Wolves a festive feast.

In stark contrast to Wolves’ 12 wins and just three losses in the league so far this season, second-from-bottom Birmingham are still to taste victory.

However, last weekend saw them put up a plucky showing at fellow strugglers Manchester Giants before only succumbing in the closing minutes to finally lose out 89-79.

Meanwhile, Wolves were on fire in their 93-64 dismissal of fellow title hopefuls London Lions, which put them two points clear at the top of the table.

Worcester director of basketball Paul James is excited about tonight’s match, admitting: “I’m really looking forward to it.

"It’s nice to have a game at Christmas time. We’ve done it the last couple of years and it has always drawn one of our biggest crowds of the season. Hopefully, Birming-ham will be bringing along a few fans as well, which should make for a fabulous atmosphere.”

While confident, James will be wary of the visitors and added: “Their form has improved of late.

“We will need to make sure we finish the year off playing the way we have done all season up to now.”

Although advance tickets are selling well, the club have pledged to make as much seating available as possible for pay-on-the-day spectators.

Ticket information can be found on their website at worcesterwolves.org.