Title favourites set for early thriller

Sheffield and Newcastle renew their rivalry this weekend, looking to get one over each other early doors in a season where both are fancied for the championship title.

It was a rare barren season for the Eagles last time out, with the Sharks picking up the BBL Cup and losing in the BBL play-off final.

It was in the play-offs that these two sides last met, with the Sharks turning around a 76-68 first leg deficit around with a 98-78 win at EIS Sheffield.

The pair met a total of seven times in 2010/11, with the Eagles winning four of those games, twice in over time.

Newcastle find themselves with a few injury worries, which could help the Sharks, who are short of a couple in their squad.

Great Britain veteran Nate Reinking started the season in fine form last week, notching 35 points in an impressive win for the Sharks over Guildford.

Newcastle started their championship campaign on Friday with an 85-64 win over the same opponents, so this game is finely poised for an early season thriller.