WORCESTER Wolves director of basketball Paul James insists the pressure is all on Newcastle Eagles when the British League title rivals lock horns tomorrow night (7.30pm).

Leaders Wolves return to the north-east for the second time this season looking to replicate last month’s 80-71 victory at the Metro Radio Arena.

With the teams meeting three times, it would give the University Arena side an unassailable 2-0 lead over the Eagles should they finish level on points at the end of the campaign.

Wolves have already achieved that feat against defending champions Leicester Riders, following up their 73-61 opening day home win with a 69-62 triumph in the East Midlands last weekend.

James said: “It would be incredible to come away from the Newcastle game having played them and Leicester four times and being four and zero to our advantage.

“Even if we end up being three and one, it’s still a fantastic achievement because not many teams are going to be able to do that.

“Right now it’s a happy camp and we’re right up there battling with the big two. The pressure is all on Newcastle to come away with the victory otherwise that’s the head-to-head gone for them and we’d have it over both those teams.”

The Wolves chief continued: “Newcastle were very disappointed with the way they lost the game up there and I know they will be really fired up for this game.

“We can almost relax and play because we have to play them one more time but it’s a massive game for them because if they lose they’ve lost the head-to-head.

“I know coach Fab Flournoy is big on that so he’ll have his players motivated and we know we’re in for a hell of a battle again.”

Wolves, who have been training at their former sports centre home on the university’s St John’s campus this week due to graduation taking place at the arena, have a few injury concerns.

Stefan Djukic is struggling to shake off an ankle problem, while fellow forward Jamal Williams is nursing a calf complaint. Versatile forward Kalil Irving has also been playing through the pain barrier of late with a knee injury.

“We’re not totally fully fit but they are not things that are going to stop people from playing,” James said. “It might hamper them slightly but we’ve just got to make sure that they don’t do any more damage.”

Guard Disraeli Lufadeju has a knee injury and is expected to be out until Christmas.